AMAA ARMENIAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OFAMERICA AMYRIGA#I HA#AVYDARAN{AGANUNGYRAGXOV:IVN Oct-Nov-Dec LII 2018 4 AMAA Centennial Celebration inYerevan Avedisian SchoolChoirPerforms at

NEWS CONTENTS October • November • December 2018 /// LII4

3 Editorial Founded on the Rock By Nazareth E. Darakjian, M.D. 4 Christmas Message By Zaven Khanjian 5 When Faith Blazes into Action By Gilbert Bilezikian, Th.D. 1918 2018 7 Meet Our Veteran Pastors - Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D. By Tanya Khanjian Stevens 8 Around the Globe - Evangelical Church of Armenia in Gyumri 10 AMAA Centennial Celebration in Los Angeles By Phyllis Hamo AMAA NEWS 12 Centennial Message By Zaven Khanjian is a publication of 13 In the Homeland Armenia, Celebrating AMAA's Century of Faith, The Armenian Missionary Association of America Love and Service By Elise Kalfayan 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 AMAA Centennial/Armenia Homeland Tour By Elise Kalfayan Tel: (201) 265-2607; Fax: (201) 265-6015 15 E-mail: [email protected] 19 Memorable All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference Website: www.amaa.org Held in Armenia (ISSN 1097-0924) 20 AMAA 100 Years of Service (Part IV) By Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D. The AMAA is a tax-exempt, not for profi t 23 AMAA Holds 99th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles organization under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) 24 AMAA Centennial Campaign Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO Levon Filian, West Coast Executive Director 26 AEWC 2018 Biennial Meeting in Los Angeles By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian Unveiling of Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian's Bust in Yerevan OFFICERS 27 Nazareth Darakjian, M.D., President 29 Estate of the Late Diana A. Apoian Announces Three Major Michael Voskian, D.M.D., Vice President Bequests Benefitting the Armenian-American Community Mark Kassabian, Esq., Recording Secretary Thomas Momjian, Esq., Recording Secretary 29 Meet Our Staff at AMAA Christine Kutlu Nurhan Helvacian, Ph.D., Treasurer 30 Merdinian School Women's Auxiliary Celebrates 20 Years and Honors EDITORIAL BOARD Suzie Phillips, a Founding Member By Louisa Janbazian , Editor in Chief Zaven Khanjian nd Louisa Janbazian, Associate Editor, Art Director 31 AMAC Celebrates 172 Anniversary of the Armenian Evang'l Church Magda Poulos, Contributor 31 Rev. Hagop Manjelikian Named Pastor Emeritus of Rhode Island Church Jane Wenning, Contributor 32 AMAA Sundays CHANGE OF ADDRESS In order to keep our mailing list up to date, please 33 Armenian Section send all corrections, along with the old address, to: 33 Պաշտօնակոչու թեան Պաշտամու նք Վեր. Սերոբ Ճ. Մկրտիչեանի AMAA NEWS 31 West Century Road 33 Փասատինայի Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի 96-ամե այ Paramus, NJ 07652 Տարեդարձի Պաշտամու նք E-mail: [email protected] 34 Աւետարանչականը՝ Անցեալը, Ներկան եւ Ապագան - Վեր. Հենրիկ Շահնազարեան DESIGN Caspianseal.com 36 Խօսք Զաւէն Խանճեանի՝ Աւետարանչականի 100-ամե ակի Հացկերոյթին՝ Երեւան NAMEPLATE 37 Բացման Խօսք Հանդիսավար Սոնա Խանճեանի՝ Աւետարանչականի Yearbook, Inc. 100-ամե ակի Հացկերոյթին՝ Երեւան PRINTING: 38 ԱՀԱԸ 100 Տարիներու Ծառայու թիւն (Դ. Մաս) - Վեր. Դոկտ. Ժան Խանճեան Printsolutions.info Englewood, NJ 42 Book Review - Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian's Book - The Genesis and Tel: (201) 567-9622 the Early Development of AMAA - By Rev. Peter Doghramji, Ph.D. 43 Obituaries A Tribute to Samuel Hekemian, Jr. - By Zaven Khanjian Join us on Facebook (AMAAInc) Follow us on Instagram (@AMAAInc) Cover Photo: The Avedisian School Choir singing Թող բարին տիրի (Let goodness reign) Follow us on Twitter (@AMAAInc) at the AMAA Centennial Cultural Event in Yerevan, led by composer Edward Zorikian). Editorial

3 Editorial Founded on the Rock By Nazareth E. Darakjian, M.D. 4 Christmas Message By Zaven Khanjian Founded on the Rock 5 When Faith Blazes into Action By Gilbert Bilezikian, Th.D. 7 Meet Our Veteran Pastors - Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D. By Tanya Khanjian Stevens Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain 8 Around the Globe - Evangelical Church of Armenia in Gyumri descended, the fl oods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; AMAA Centennial Celebration in Los Angeles By Phyllis Hamo 10 and it did not fall for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 12 Centennial Message By Zaven Khanjian 13 In the Homeland Armenia, Celebrating AMAA's Century of Faith, Love and Service By Elise Kalfayan 15 AMAA Centennial/Armenia Homeland Tour By Elise Kalfayan By Nazareth E. Darakjian, M.D., AMAA President 19 Memorable All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference Held in Armenia The Centennial year is over. The celebrati ons that started in New Jersey one year ago went 20 AMAA 100 Years of Service (Part IV) By Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D. on to Sydney, Beirut, Yerevan, Paris, Montreal, Toronto and reached its climacti c conclusion in Los Angeles on October 20th, 2018. These celebrati ons created beauti ful opportuniti es for th 23 AMAA Holds 99 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles fellowship and strengthening of bonds, renewing old friendships, creati ng new ones, coming 24 AMAA Centennial Campaign Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School together as one church, the one body of Christ. 26 AEWC 2018 Biennial Meeting in Los Angeles By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian It was a wonderful ti me that gave us a chance to pay tribute to those who founded the Associati on 100 years ago in Worcester, Massachusett s. We recognized all those whose 27 Unveiling of Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian's Bust in Yerevan dedicati on and sacrifi ce helped the Associati on grow in leaps and bounds to acquire the 29 Estate of the Late Diana A. Apoian Announces Three Major capabiliti es it has today. We acknowledged the positi ve impact the AMAA has left on individuals Bequests Benefitting the Armenian-American Community and communiti es that benefi tt ed from the support and encouragement that has made the 29 Meet Our Staff at AMAA Christine Kutlu TAMAA so important in the life of our nati on. Most importantly, we thanked and praised God 30 Merdinian School Women's Auxiliary Celebrates 20 Years and Honors for His guidance and blessings throughout a century, while we as a nati on at ti mes found ourselves walking through the Suzie Phillips, a Founding Member By Louisa Janbazian valley of the shadow of death. As an organizati on we are happy and proud to have made it to this important milestone. But the party is over. We now 31 AMAC Celebrates 172nd Anniversary of the Armenian Evang'l Church have the challenge and responsibility to plan for the second century, to conti nue the work that was started and to do just 31 Rev. Hagop Manjelikian Named Pastor Emeritus of Rhode Island Church as well if not bett er than those that came and went. 32 AMAA Sundays In this respect we are fortunate that from its early days the AMAA has been blessed with far sighted leadership and 33 Armenian Section directors. These visionaries were not simply sati sfi ed by meeti ng the needs of the day, but planned for the future, by encouraging the creati on of endowment funds that were invested prudently producing steady income. We have resolved 33 Պաշտօնակոչու թեան Պաշտամու նք Վեր. Սերոբ Ճ. Մկրտիչեանի to conti nue that traditi on by establishing the Centennial Campaign, to augment our capabiliti es, and prepare us to deal 33 Փասատինայի Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի 96-ամե այ Տարեդարձի Պաշտամու նք with the challenges that our churches, schools, summer camps and humanitarian initi ati ves may face. We want to be able to extend our horizons and enlarge our mission to reach out to communiti es that do not have shepherds and are thirsty for 34 Աւետարանչականը՝ Անցեալը, Ներկան եւ Ապագան - Վեր. Հենրիկ Շահնազարեան the Word of God. We also want to rejuvenate the 170 plus year old Armenian Evangelical traditi on of establishing schools where our children will learn the Word of God and be inspired by our rich culture and heritage. 36 Խօսք Զաւէն Խանճեանի՝ Աւետարանչականի 100-ամե ակի Հացկերոյթին՝ Երեւան How do we plan for the next century? How do we make sure that one hundred years from now there will be another 37 Բացման Խօսք Հանդիսավար Սոնա Խանճեանի՝ Աւետարանչականի AMAA Centennial celebrati on just as sublime, just as beauti ful? I believe that the answer is in Matt hew 7:24-25. As long 100-ամե ակի Հացկերոյթին՝ Երեւան as we listen, as long as we hear, and as long as we do what Christ has told us to do the AMAA of the future remains on a 38 ԱՀԱԸ 100 Տարիներու Ծառայու թիւն (Դ. Մաս) - Վեր. Դոկտ. Ժան Խանճեան foundati on of rock and future generati ons will look back at us and say, “they were wise.” On the other hand, if we fail to take heed to what Christ has instructed us to do then all our structures will crumble, and our eff orts will be in vain. Book Review - Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian's Book - The Genesis and 42 A lot has changed in the world in the last 100 years, and I am sure 100 years from now the world be a totally diff erent the Early Development of AMAA - By Rev. Peter Doghramji, Ph.D. kind of place. What will not change is the Word of God and the Great Commission that Jesus gave us to spread the Word 43 Obituaries to the ends of the earth. A Tribute to Samuel Hekemian, Jr. - By Zaven Khanjian Let us conti nue to be faithful to that Commission. q

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 3 Dear Friends:

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46

Christmas lights are quite often considered as one of the best highlights of the Christmas Season. How many of us have driven by homes, stores or even attended an event for the lighting of a tree? Those twinkling lights bring so much hope and excitement. Why? Let us not forget that they serve as a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world!

Building upon a 100-year-old foundation of love and service, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) upholds carrying forth His light and promise of hope to vulnerable brothers and sisters, young and old, whose lives have been invaded by darkness and despair. Whether it be serving the needs of the poor, empowering young people through education, providing humanitarian relief -as a result of ongoing geopolitical turmoil or creating opportunities for social stability and growth.

You help us to help them and fulfi ll our mission in twenty-four countries around the world. AMAA’s Mission and Service Fund supports the annual operating budget, which includes, but is not limited to: Armenia and Syria relief, Armenian Children’s Milk Fund infant formula distribution, education in schools, ‘Shogh’ day centers, Sponsorship Programs, medical clinics, summer camps, and spreading the Good News.

Brighten a life this Christmas. Take this opportunity today to make your donation. Every gift counts, no matter how big or small.

May the blessing of His birth remain a light in your life. We off er our prayers and sing praises to our most gracious God to be with you, your family and loved ones throughout the ‘Season of Light’ and the New Year ahead. Քրիստոս ծնաւ եւ յայտնեցաւ. ձեզի, մե զի Մեծ Աւետիս! Krisdos dzenav yev haydnetzav, tsezee, mezee Medz Avedis! (Christ is born and is revealed, good tidings to you and to us).

Sincerely,

Zaven Khanjian AMAA Executive Director/CEO Inspirational Corner

When Faith Blazes into Action

By Gilbert Bilezikian, Th.D.* t is hoped that those of you who received the last issue of the AMAA News are keeping your copy as a collector’s item in the making. This unique document bears witness to the courage of Armenian Christi ans who banded together in the aft ermath of our Genocide to reach out self-sacrifi cially and bring relief to situati ons of desperate need Ithrough the length and breadth of this century of Armenian history. The noble story is worth keeping and pondering. The introductory page of the issue says it all. The news of the devastati ng 1988 earthquake in Armenia came to the comfortable, suburban Simourian home near Boston as a bombshell. Michele looked at her husband and, with sobs choking her voice, she said, “John, we’ve got to do something.” As a result, at the height of the Cold War, a secret operati on was staged between the United States and the Soviet Union to fl y to Armenia millions of dollars’ worth of medical equipment that saved countless numbers of lives. In all human languages, there exists no loft ier declarati on than God’s self-introducti on to mankind, “In the beginning God created heavens and earth.” (Book of Genesis, chapter one, verse one) The very fi rst words of the Bible present God as the magnifi cent giver of all existence. He gives infi nite space, ti me and life in all their variegated splendor. The New Testament puts it well “In Him all things consist.” God is the fi rst, the supreme and the ulti mate giver. But His greatest gift is the creati on of beings in His image. He not only gives, but He also gives Himself. He creates humans endowed with His likeness with His image. Because they thus portray on earth God in Heaven, they themselves become givers. God gives them the mandate to multi ply and extend His giving love to“the ends of the earth.” This universal refl ecti on on earth of the giving love of God defi nes the driving purpose of human existence. We are givers because God is our model universal giver. Unfortunately, we all know that it did not work the way it had been intended by God. He had warned humans against the temptati on to become takers. We take of the forbidden fruit and, ignoring the warning, we become self-grati fying parasites instead of self-dispensing portrayals of the self-giving God. This vast world, in which we live, sti ll bears the mark of the goodness that had been invested in it by the Creator. But, we also experience daily the horrible devastati ons caused by the slithering intrusion of death, the dark taker of life, the author of suff ering of plagues, hunger, homelessness, genocides, murderous earthquakes, senseless wars and human desolati on. But God remains the loving giver. When all seems to be irremediably lost, He does not give up, but He gives the Redeemer, who gives His life, to bring us to repentance and enable us to become again the image on earth of the Giver in Heaven. At the end of His ministry on earth and shortly before His self-sacrifi cial death, Jesus Christ gave a striking summati on of His teaching about the purpose of life for each one of us. The story is found in the Gospel of Matt hew Chapter 25 verses 31 to 40. It would be worth your while to consult a Bible right now. As you can see, in this text, Jesus gives a propheti c preview of the last judgment at the end of ti me. Two groups are gathered in front of Him. He commends the crowds to His right reminding them that they: gave Him food when He was hungry, gave Him water when He was thirsty, welcomed Him when He was a stranger, put clothes on Him when He was naked, visited Him when He was sick and came to Him when He was in prison. The people to His right looked at Him

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 5 Inspirational Corner uncomprehendingly and said, “Good Sir, you’ve got it wrong. We never saw you in such situations. We cannot take the credit for those good deeds.” The King answered, “Whenever you reached out to invest yourself into a situation of distress that had fallen beyond the capacity for self-help, I was there wanting to meet this need and you did it for me. Come with me into eternal life.” The other group of those to His left had been derelict in similar circumstances. They had failed to meet needs, as Christ would have wanted to do. Having refused to identify themselves with the great Giver, they received in eternal life the alienation that they had opted for in this life. The first observation to understand the full impact of this narrative:

The Giving of Food In biblical times, the would-be giver could not go to the local supermarket, get a few bags full of victuals and bring them to the hungry. Food was the most precious commodity for personal and family survival. At subsistence level, it was not easy to come by. Each home was responsible for the production of their own food. Bread was the basic food staple. The making of bread was a long and arduous process. It required plowing, sowing, praying for rain, harvesting, winnowing, grinding grain into flour, the availability of an oven made of stones, and finding wood for the fire. The process was similarly demanding for the supply of meat, vegetables, and for the preparation of dried food for the long winter season.

The Giving of Water In the mostly desertic climate of biblical lands, people could not go to the kitchen tap to instantly obtain fresh, drinkable water. They had to walk daily to the local well or cistern, wait for their turn, draw the water from deep holes dug into limestone, fill heavy jars and hand-carry the precious resource sometimes a long way home.

Hosting the Stranger In biblical times, there was a constant flow of refugees who were fleeing their homes to escape famine, wars, marauders and epidemics. They would arrive in closed communities not knowing customs or language and without work or family contacts. They became hated pariahs, begging for acceptance and trekking their misery from town to town.

Clothes for the Naked Worse come to worse we can always go to a thrift store and walk out decently dressed. In ancient days, when spinning wheels and looms had not yet been invented, the yarn was made by hand with a distaff and a spindle from organic fibers like flax and wool. This was a long process that produced cloth that was fragile and uncomfortable to wear. Nice clothes were for the wealthy. The poor did their best with rejects and rags.

Visiting the Sick Certainly not in hospitals! Illness was considered a punishment for secret sins. Consequently, the sick were abandoned to their misery, to face pain and death in isolation.

Visiting the Prisoner Society protected itself from criminals and the demented by locking them up in cages, caves, abandoned hamlets, crumbling dungeons, and underground tunnels. A Roman historian describes them as “hideous and terrifying” places of “neglect, darkness and stench.” The second observation refers to the fact that those who have committed themselves to meet the needs described above had not acted out of the desire to be saved. They inherited eternal life because their faith commitment compelled them to obedience. It was their life of self-sacrificing giving that bore witness to the genuineness of their faith. They were not saved by their works, but by their faith that translated into action. “Faith without works is dead.” (See the Epistle of James in the New Testament.) In the sweep of Armenian history, the direct survivors of the Genocide have died and gone to their eternal destiny. Their children, like the ranks of my own generation, are about to pass on. However, the brokenness of our world will remain. It will require the intervention of faithful givers and helpers to meet such perennial challenges. In the face of such needs, may our legacy to the next generation be the rallying heart-cry,“John, we’ve got to do something!” q

*Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian is Professor Emeritus of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.

6 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Meet Our Veteran Pastors Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D.

By Tanya Khanjian Stevens he Rev. Dr. John Khanjian was born in Aleppo, Syria Near East and was invited by the AMAA to serve the summer in 1932 and received his elementary education at camps in Syria and Lebanon for youth in 1978, 1980, and Bethel School and secondary education at Aleppo 1982. In 1987, he was invited to become the Academic College for Boys. During these years he started Dean at the Armenian American International College of the theT Star Youth Group at the Church of Christ (ACO). While University of La Verne in California where he worked until receiving his education in Beirut at the Near East School of its closure in 1993. Theology (BD 1963) and the American University of Beirut In 1995, Rev. Dr. Khanjian became the President of (BA 1962 and MA 1968), Rev. Dr. Khanjian established the Haigazian College in Beirut, Lebanon where he served until Armenian Evangelical Boy Scout troop at the First Armenian 2002. During his tenure the old campus was renovated and Evangelical Church. He completed his education at Claremont refurbished, and the institution returned to its campus in Graduate University (PhD 1974). West Beirut. In 1997, Haigazian College was accredited Rev. Dr. Khanjian spent his summers fi lling pulpits in by the Lebanese Ministry of Education as a University; the Kamishly, Damascus and Aleppo. Upon graduation from academic programs were updated, policies and procedures theological studies in January 1963, he returned to Aleppo introduced, and a solid foundation established for further College as a teacher of religion at the Girls and Boys schools, development. Chaplain and Chair of the Religion Department, and became Upon his return to the United States, Rev. Dr. Khanjian the CE youth leader and choir director of the Armenian returned to teaching at the University of La Verne as Senior Evangelical Emmanuel Church where his wife, Pauline Adjunct Professor of Religion and Philosophy from 2003 to Alexanian, was the pianist of the Church. 2007. In 2007, Rev. Dr. Khanjian was invited by the AMAA In 1966, Rev. Dr. Khanjian left for the United States to to be Provost and Professor at the Evangelical Theological pursue his graduate studies. Upon completion of his course Academy of Armenia in Yerevan due to the need for a work, he returned to the Near East School of Theology in 1971 fulltime administrator. He served in these positions until as Assistant Professor, Librarian, and Field Work Director 2010 when he once again returned to the United States and to the Armenian students. During the summers he led youth resumed teaching at the University of La Verne until his camps in Syria and Lebanon. The Lebanese Civil War forced retirement in 2017. Rev. Dr. Khanjian and his family to relocate to the United Rev. Dr. Khanjian has published multiple scholarly States in 1976. In 1978, he was invited to the position of articles, two books in Armenian for the seminary, and recently Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Kansas authored the “History of the Armenian Missionary Association Wesleyan University where he served as Chairman for ten of America” for the AMAA in English and Armenian. years and prepared many ministers for the United Methodist In 1963, Dr. Khanjian married Pauline Alexanian who Church. also taught at Aleppo College for Girls and established the During this time Rev. Dr. Khanjian continued his Education Department at Haigazian University; they have relationship with the Armenian Evangelical churches in the two children, Tanya Joy and Jonathan Alex. q

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 7 Around the Globe Evangelical Church of Armenia In GYUMRI

Gyumri, an urban municipal community, is the second largest Soon after the 1988 Earth- city in Armenia and serves as the administrative center of quake, the Armenian Missionary Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. It Association of America began was founded and developed as a city in the 18th century serving the Homeland with a and, until the establishment of the Soviet order, the city was variety of services and in 1991 es- called Alexandrapol. Alexandrapol had all the features of a tablished its first office in Gyumri modern city, with a unique urban culture, active intelligentsia, and further organized its activities economically and culturally advanced, and located at the in the city. In September 1999, a Sunday crossroads of trade routes. Alexandrapol also had strategic School was established under the significance in a political sense as one of the most important guidance of Grigor Vardanyan's cities in Transcaucasia, under the Russian Empire. This was initiative and in November 2000 also a remarkable area for Armenian Evangelicals. From the Rev. Hamlet Kyureghyan, Pastor Pastor Aram Babajanyan. national archives of the Republic of Armenia it is clear that at of the Evangelical Church of Armenia in Yerevan, started visiting the end of the 1840s there were small Armenian Evangelical Gyumri for Sunday Worship Services and officially established the communities. This means that the Armenian Evangelicalism Church. Initially, only parents of children attending Sunday School in Eastern Armenia began spreading in unison with Western attended the Worship Services. Over time, the Church organized Armenia making this area one of the most important centers and expanded its services and activities. For several years, four for Armenian Evangelicals in Eastern Armenia. brothers led the Gyumri Church and preached: Armen Tadevosyan, During the Soviet era, Alexandrapol was renamed Gagik Danielyan, Karen Manukyan, and Grigor Vardanyan who Leninakan. The city's population grew to over 200,000 prior attended and graduated from the Armenian Evangelical Theological to the devastating 1988 Earthquake, when several cities and Academy. In 2012, Rev. Kyureghyan started to lead the Church as its villages were ruined. At the time of the Soviet Union break up, Pastor. For six years, under his leadership, the Church went through between 1990 and 1992, the city was renamed to its historical a new phase of self-organization and formation. The spiritual level of name Kumayri from the Urartu period, and later it was given the Community increased and established an Armenian Evangelical the name Gyumri. self-consciousness. At present, the Armenian Evangelical Church

8 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 of Gyumri has 77 baptized members and every Sunday the average attendance at Sunday Worship Services is 85-100 people. Currently the Church has 18 service groups including Bible Study Group, Women's Group (25-30 women), Prayer Group, Sunday School (80 children), Adolescent (40) and Youth (25) Groups, as well as leadership seminars. The Church also has artistic and educational groups such as dance, design, crafts, painting, and woodworking. Since September 16, 2018, Pastor Aram Babajanyan, a graduate of the Near East School of Theology with an M.Div. degree, is serving the Gyumri Church as its full-time Pastor. On September 30, the dedication of the magnificent newly constructed Gyumri Church and Community Center took place. The construction of this new church building is an important turning point for the Church and for the Armenian Evangelicals in the area. It expresses a tangible evidence and confirms its historical presence in Gyumri. And, it is a new force and a motivation for the Church to spread the Gospel of Christ in Gyumri and to awaken Armenian Evangelism. q (Original text written in Eastern Armenian by Pastor Aram Babajanyan and translated into English by Louisa Janbazian)

Armenian Evangelical Ministers from different parts of the world participate in the Dedication Service of the newly constructed Gyumri Church, on September 30, 2018.

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 9 AMAA Celebrates Centennial Anniversary at The Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles

By Phyllis Hamo ponsors and guests of the Armenian Missionary Associa- tion of America (AMAA) will long remember the Los Angeles Centennial Banquet of October 20, 2018. The event was the concluding Banquet and largest function ofS eight worldwide observances that marked 100 years of commit- ment and generosity by the AMAA. Board members, clergy, and supporters of the organization came together at this joyful event held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, a classic meeting place which opened its doors for the fi rst time in 1923, just 5 years after the AMAA was founded. The very fi rst of the Centennial observances took place in October 2017, in Teaneck, New Jersey, near the AMAA’s Paramus Headquarters. The fi nal Banquet at the Biltmore capped off more than a year of these worldwide Centennial celebrations. Celebratory banquets were also held in Sydney, Detroit, Montreal, Toronto, Dr. Nazareth Darakjian with honoree Joyce Philibosian Stein. Beirut, Paris, and Yerevan. The noteworthy Los Angeles event paid tribute to the Stephen Philibosian and Conte Foundations, the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian – TF Educational Foundation, and the Sheen Family Trust. In addition to the honorees, their families and friends, as well as leaders and sustainers of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, the crowd enthusiastically celebrated a century of “faith, love, and service” when more than 500 celebrants gathered in the Biltmore’s elegant Crystal Ballroom. Guests traveled long distances, some from as far away as Armenia, Australia, France, Lebanon, and Syria. Many representatives journeyed to Los Angeles to celebrate a century of successful mission programs and the establishment of churches, camps, and schools founded and supported by the AMAA in 24 countries. The AMAA has set a fundraising goal of $20 million dollars for the Centennial Campaign and raised 60% of the goal. The Los Angeles Banquet was MC’d by prominent presidential Zaven Khanjian with honorees Patricia and Gerald Turpanjian.

10 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 AMAA Centennial

speechwriter Ken Khachigian who introduced both the current Gerald Turpanjian. President of the AMAA, Dr. Nazareth E. Darakjian, and the AMAA’s Dr. H. Steven Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian who are working tirelessly Aharonian recognized to reach out to “friends of the AMAA” for their support. Dr. Jack Sheen and Retiring West Coast Executive Director Levon Filian was his late father John H. thanked for his many years of dedicated service to the AMAA as Sheen who established Executive Director, then as West Coast Executive Director. the Sheen Family An AMAA Centennial video was shown which depicted the Trust with the AMAA founding of the AMAA, its worldwide operations, ministries and providing support to projects. education, relief in Dr. Darakjian recognized Dr. Albert Phillips, founder of the Armenia and Lebanon, AMAA Medical Mission to Armenia, established ten years ago, evangelism, and aid to describing him as the “Albert Schweitzer of Armenia.” churches and missions. Zaven Khanjian with Arch. Hovnan Following the Dinner, a video presentation by Tina Segel Through the legacy of Derderian. gave historic information regarding Honorees Stephen Philibosian the John H. Sheen Trust, Foundation, the Conte Foundation, the Gerald and Patricia thousands of children Turpanjian – TF Educational Foundation and the Sheen Family attending AMAA’s Trust. Sheen-Shoghig Camp Kenneth Kevorkian introduced Joe and Joyce Philibosian in Hankavan, Armenia Stein and recognized their decades of generosity and service receive spiritual and to the AMAA and its mission, following the path of Stephen physical nourishment. Philibosian, father of Joyce and her sister Louise, who established The Banquet’s In- the very first AMAA endowment, created in his name. Sirpuhe vocation was offered by Philibosian Conte and her husband John Conte also became life Rev. Berdj Djambazian, long benefactors of the AMAA. Minister to the Arme- Elizabeth Agbabian introduced Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian. nian Evangelical Union “This unique couple,” she announced, “is modest, sincere, and of North America; the AMAA West Coast Executive Director caring. They have raised an exemplary family of four: Lori, Gary, Benediction by Rev. Dr. Levon Filian. Deanne, and Paul, who are here with their children to honor their Vahan H. Tootikian, Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical mother and father.” “The Turpanjians,” according to Mrs. Agbabian, World Council. The American and Armenian national anthems and “have also adopted an extended family named Benevolence. They music were led by Maestro Greg Hosharian. are Godparents of the Armenian Community – generously sharing Guests received a beautifully published 114-page commemora- their bounty of the Turpanjian Family Educational Foundation.” tive booklet containing the history of the AMAA written by Rev. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian and their TF (Turpanjian Family) John Khanjian Ph.D., and descriptions of its worldwide missions. Educational Foundation were honored, not only for their support of It also included congratulatory letters from around the world. The the AMAA, but also for their support of the American University Banquet Co-Chairs Lori Muncherian, Arsine Phillips, Helga Sarkis, of Armenia, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Haigazian and Tina Segel worked earnestly with their Committee to produce University, the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, Camp a memorable evening. Hankavan, AMAA Child and Orphan Care, Syrian Relief, and the A profound statement highlighted in the booklet came from Armenian Evangelical Central High School, attended by alumnus AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian who stated, “Not

Kenneth Kevorkian. Elizabeth Agbabian. MC Kenneth Khachigian. H. Steven Aharonian, M.D.

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 11 empires, nor structures, simply put, our focus is on the individual. Building, rebuilding and making a diff erence in the life of the individual. Our collective act is summed up by how we impact the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our people – one life at a time.” According to Dr. Darakjian, the AMAA has come a long way in its 100-year history in accomplishing its mission. “We are carrying a torch that has come to us from our predecessors, and it is our duty to run with it and pass it on to future generations.” In his closing remarks, Mr. Khanjian summed up the year-long eff ort. “The only sense and justifi cation in our year-old celebration and the $20M Capital Campaign is in the vision of embracing the future in the Homeland, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and everywhere the grace of God takes us.” There are many giving and naming opportunities still available during the Centennial Campaign. Information for giving may be obtained by contacting Magda Poulos at the AMAA Headquarters in Paramus, 201.265.2607 or [email protected]. The AMAA Banquet Co-Chairs Tina Segel, Lori Muncherian, Helga Sarkis and offi ce is located at 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.q Arsine Phillips.

Centennial Message (The following message was delivered by Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO, at the AMAA Annual Banquet, October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles)

What an amazing evening!! Thank you, Banquet Co-Chairs and Committ ee. We’re so delighted to have a dynamic Master of Ceremonies tonight. Dear Ken, if this was an electi on campaign, you have secured a victory for us. Congratulati ons, and thank you to all the honorees. It’s the gracious spirit of philanthropy that fuels the mission of the AMAA. Thank you all for your presence and support. You are the heart and soul of the Armenian Missionary Associati on of America. Banquets are done with, cakes are consumed, candles blown out. What now? Three years ago, at the genesis of our deliberati ons, our Centennial Campaign themeset the tone ̶ ‘Faithful to Our Legacy, Embracing the Future.’ We paid tribute to the legacy, revered the founders, published their story and dignifi ed their service and sacrifi ce. We hopped on fi ve conti nents (Africa joined us in Beirut), held banquets, off ered prayers and praises in a multi tude of services. The last of the celebrati ons was in the Homeland. Over a span of eight days, we had six remarkable events celebrati ng a Century of Faith, Love, and Service to the nati on. A concert, a play, an art exhibiti on, a multi -media cultural event at the Opera, a banquet and the dedicati on of AMAA’s new Gyumri Church and cultural center. All glamorous, well att ended and joyful events in the Homeland, where the AMAA has been a blessing for 30 years following the devastati ng earthquake of 1988. Then one day, during the week and on a visit to an AMAA sponsored child, there came a moment of reckoning. The area visited was Kanaker. Yes, Khachadour Abovian’s Kanaker, where the early 19th Century educator and intellectual lived. The sponsored family was a descendant of Abovian. The two-story structure housed the families of two brothers. The sponsored child lived on the second fl oor with fi ve of his siblings. Climbing the unstable stairs was literally an adventure. The 500 or so square feet of space consisted of two bedrooms, with a separati on wall ready to collapse, an ‘everything’ room and a combined kitchen, bath and storage area. A common toilet for the two families was set outside the structure. Walls around the house had cracks. The six children ranged from a toddler to a 15-year-old boy who was out on a scant job with his father. The mother supplemented the family income, hairdressing in homes. While we hardly held back our emo- ti ons, the family seemed happy. The children sang and recited. They had dreams in their glowing eyes.They were the future of Armenia! We exist in a span of ti me that some defi ne as present. But the present is only a blinking eye between the past and the future. The only sense and justi fi cati on in our year-old celebrati on and the $20M Capital Campaign are in the vision of embracing the future. At any ti me building on the legacy of the past will only reap the blessings of the future. What do we build? We build lives. Lives of the sponsored family children in Kanaker or Noyemperyan, Askeran or Goris, North Hollywood or Aleppo, Beirut or Buenos Aires. Taking them out of poverty, off ering spiritual nourishment, quality educati on, vital healthcare and sowing hope for a brighter future in the Homeland, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and everywhere the grace of God takes us. Standing tall, the AMAA is the sower. We are called to sow hope, win a smile, realize a dream, feed the hungry and save a soul. Partner with us. Together, we’ll embrace the second century of the AMAA…….and make it brighter. Thank you.

12 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 In the Homeland of Armenia, Celebrating AMAA’s Century of Faith, Love and Service

By Elise Kalfayan he peaceful morning bus drive from Yerevan to Gyumri for Center where people from all walks of life, from all persuasions the dedication of the new AMAA Community Center and and affiliations, young and old, will come to meet each other, build TChurch on Sunday, September 30 was a time of reflection friendships, understand each others’ problems, and extend a helping and joyful anticipation. This would be the last of six major events hand whenever someone needs it.” during the AMAA’s Centennial in the Homeland of Armenia, all Benefactors Drs. Nazareth and Ani Darakjian unveiled the taking place within a week. building plaque. Hratch and Helga Sarkis were present and honored The AMAA leadership honored its founders at all the events and with a plaque for Hratch’s dedicated supervision of the building presented a vision for the next 100 years: evangelism, education, project and as major donors of the project. We were invited inside, humanitarian relief, and youth programs in the Homeland. and room plaques were unveiled to reveal their sponsors. Present on the occasion were room sponsors Ken and Thelma Churukian Gyumri Kevorkian, Dr. Michael and Wendy Churukian, Rev. Ara Guek- guezian (representing Knar Guekguezian), and Michael and Any Yacoub-Barr. Day Center craft instructors were in classrooms to show chil- dren’s work in weaving, embroidery, painting, and wood carving. After the tour, the church was filled to capacity for a service of praise and dedication. Armenian Evangelical pastors from around the world participated. The service began with a video of Arme- nian Evangelical congregations in Armenia, the Near East, and the Americas all singing “How Great Thou Art!” We had been celebrat- ing the AMAA’s past accomplishments, we were joyful about its future work in this beautiful new building, and the video told the story of the present: congregations around the world united in faith, love and service.

Sunday Preview from the Pulpit Multiple buses and vans carried AMAA Board members, sup- porters, volunteers and staff; Armenian Evangelical pastors from Armenia as well as the Near East, the Americas, and other unions; and AMAA Tour members to Gyumri. We joined a large comple- ment from Gyumri gathering in the courtyard of the colorful, large complex. Following a short performance by the Center’s dance students, Director Karen Manukyan and Gyumri Armenian Evangelical Church Pastor Aram Babajanyan welcomed guests and dignitar- ies. Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan congratulated the AMAA and praised the Center as a spiritual, educational, and cultural Center that will enrich the lives of residents. AMAA President Dr. The previous week, the Evangelical Church of Armenia and Nazareth Darakjian said, “We hope that this will be a Community Artsakh had conducted a thanksgiving worship service in Yerevan,

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 13 Armenia with AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian present. On audience that history shows humanitarian missions in the Near East that occasion, he said, “Our founders wanted to rebuild churches during the Armenian Genocide began with Rev. Hovhannes Eskijian on Armenian soil. We came to Armenia and built churches just as and Armenian Evangelicals. our founders imagined. We have an independent Armenia, a dream After the moving drama, AMAA Executive Director/CEO Za- of the generations who survived the Genocide. God has given us a ven Khanjian said, “Many Armenians born in Aleppo had parents mission to be a light of illumination and faith in this dark region. who were saved by Rev. Eskijian. We remember our other Armenian Together with the mother church we will continue!” His speech in Christian heroes as well: Aharon Shirazyan, Hrant Guzelian and the church set the tone for the six events that followed. others who saved the lives of thousands of children, so they could rebuild and serve our nation.” Musical Ensemble of Armavir Church Martin Eskijian, grandson of Rev. Eskijian, read the words of Jesus in Mark 8:35, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whosoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” He told the audience that John Minassian, who as a young boy was Rev. Eskijian’s underground courier in Aleppo, visited his family later in life. “His visit made the stories I’d heard very real for me.”

Art Exhibition

On September 23, the Armenian Evangelical Armavir Choir gave a concert at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Yerevan. Soloists Mareta Antonyan and Armen Avetisyan sang spiritual, national, and folk songs. Each song was eloquently introduced by two women, one who recited in Armenian and the other in English. The prefaces offered thanks for the AMAA and its founders, ex- pressions of love for the Homeland of Armenia, and praise to God. They perfectly expressed the connection of each piece to the day’s theme of thanksgiving. An exhibition of artworks by Armenian Evangelical artists, Said Zaven Khanjian after the concert, “Though Armenia is not held in the Yerevan Artists’ Union of Armenia building (at Charles rich in oil or other minerals, the invaluable capital of our country Aznavour Square), was the third Centennial event. Artist Vrej has been and remains human potential. There is bright evidence of Kassouny was the exhibit curator, and Astghik Zeynalyan the it here tonight.” designer. The opening was well attended and covered by local media. AMAA Armenia Representative Harout Nercessian noted, The Angel of Salvation “Armenian Evangelicals, wherever they are, focus on art education and upbringing, and contribute to the discovery and development of the new generation’s aesthetic capacities by creating favorable conditions for them.” He sited the Shogh Day Center and the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School as examples. Cultural Evening: “A Century of Faith, Love and Service”

Tuesday, September 25, Playwright/Director Nune Abraha- myan and the Hayasa Theatrical Group produced “The Angel of Salvation,” based on Rev. Hovhannes Eskijian’s work during the Armenian Genocide rescuing hundreds of children from deportation as they passed through Aleppo. Genocide scholar Hilmar Kaiser’s book At the Crossroads of Der Zor contains the history and was The Yerevan Opera Theatre is walking distance from Republic the basis for Abrahamyan’s script. Kaiser was present and told the Square, and its entrance was jammed for the AMAA Centennial

14 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 program on Friday, September 28. AMAA Armenia Press Manager Andranik Mardoyan welcomed the full house, which included in- vited dignitaries, and read congratulations from many organizations. The program featured a ballet directed by Harutyun Semerjyan, interpreting the story of creation, the fall, the evil of the Genocide, and the hope of salvation and new life, and an accompanying video by Rafael Khachatryan. The Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet headed by Armen Grigoryan performed the dance sequences. These alter- nated with video segments showing AMAA’s founding, history, and projects in Armenia and around the world; and a solo of “Crane” by Gomidas, performed by Mareta Antonyan. The finale featured composer Eduard Zorikyan singing “Let There Be Good in the World” with a choir of Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School students. The singing students took out their communities regardless of religious or political affiliation; who phones and started waving them as flashlights. The audience re- helped in the training of leaders and professionals. Many of us who sponded by lighting phones and waving them back. The whole Opera are here tonight can gratefully call ourselves children of AMAA.” house lit up with warmth, inspiration and reflected love, a bright In his remarks, AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven and fitting response of engagement with the message and mission. Khanjian characterized the dedication and spirit of the AMAA’s work in Armenia: “The AMAA sowed indiscriminately. It sowed AMAA Centennial Banquet in Yerevan in the collective and diversified furrows of the nation. It sowed Held at the Yerevan Marriott, Republic Square, the AMAA abundantly and generously even beyond the borders. The AMAA Centennial Banquet in Yerevan drew guests including many Ar- sowed without an expectation in return, with no demand or menian government, NGO, and ecumenical dignitaries, as well as condition, without pomp or circumstance. It sowed in the spirit of celebrants from around the world. ‘Cast thy bread upon the water, trusting it is not in vain'." Mistress of Ceremonies Sona Khanjian opened the Banquet All these events in Armenia, ending with the dedication of a with a quote from Rev. Dr. Peter Doghramji: “All of us in the AMAA beautiful new church and community center in Gyumri, celebrated community take a deep breath, pause a little and look back at all the vision of the AMAA’s founders and succession of leaders. In its those exceptionally gifted leaders and their associates, who wiped second century, the AMAA is clearly dedicated to the Homeland of the tears from the eyes of a bereaved nation and proclaimed by Word Armenia, which looks to the future with hope. The AMAA’s faith, and Deed, the Good News of Jesus Christ; who rebuilt the churches love, and service has produced excellent fruit that is nourishing the and schools; reestablished the human ties among the Armenian new generation. q

Our AMAA Centennial/Armenia Homeland Tour

By Elise Kalfayan n this Centennial year, the rial, then several of us walked to see the statue of “Mother Arising AMAA offered a two-week from the Ashes” which is a full-size copy of a statue at the Ararat- IArmenia tour for its mem- Eskijian Museum (Los Angeles, CA) commissioned and installed bers. I and 35 others signed up, by the Luther Eskijian and Stephen Nazarian families. and our tour joined in the AMAA Centennial celebrations during the final week, September 23-30. Armenia’s history, the AMAA’s legacy, and ongoing mission needs were all apparent to us as we experienced the tour and the celebrations.

Tsitsernakaberd, Our First Official Stop The first day, Thursday, September 20, we walked solemnly to the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd and laid flowers around the Eternal Flame. The group gathered, and Martin Eskijian prayed in English, then we all recited the Hayr Mer. We visited the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute next to the Memo-

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 15 A Special Holiday Spent at Avedisian School Sevanavank and Our Grateful Fellowship

“God has blessed us by allowing us to come here together. We We visited the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School on can carry back news of God’s work here, and what the AMAA is September 21, Armenian Independence Day, and missed seeing the doing. Let’s give thanks each time we get together!” So said tour students as it was a holiday. Economics teacher Knarik Vardanyan member Marlen Kumjian, of Immanuel Armenian Congregational showed us her video, taken the day before, of the students’ assembly Church (Downey, CA) as we gathered for lunch after visiting Seva- marking the event with singing, recitations, and red, orange and navank. Our meal was served in a covered patio overlooking Lake blue balloons. Sevan. We had spent the morning hiking up the 200 steps to visit A large wall plaque honoring the School’s benefactors and Sevanavank and take in its beautiful view, then traveling on to sponsors was at the entrance. Three of them, Anahid Terjimanian, Dilijan to Goshavank. and Martin and Effie Eskijian, were on our tour. She said a prayer of thanks, and we remembered it as brief rains Principal Melanya Geghamyan welcomed our group for a tour during our bus rides cleared the sky for our two walks in and around of the School’s new, LEED-certified facilities; she led half our group the beautiful monasteries. During the rest of the trip we continued and Vardanyan led the other half. giving thanks for the good work AMAA has done and is doing. The School was built to exacting design and sustainability standards under the direction of architect Ron Altoon. Monitored Morning Worship, Evening Concert energy use, solar panels, green roofs, and other touches are some of The first Sunday of our tour, September 23, we attended church the design features. Shown the high-tech screen visible in the entry in Yerevan. The Armenian Evangelical Church of Armenia and Art- hall, we learned that the School gets 30% of its energy from the sakh had organized this special worship service to commemorate solar panels. In a common hallway, we saw large posters featuring the AMAA’s Centennial. Rev. Hovhannes Hovsepyan offered a prominent Armenian Evangelical leaders, historical sites, publica- prayer of thanks to God for the work of the AMAA in Armenia and tions and a large AMAA Centennial banner. One room was filled with Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian presented a gift to the organization: with chess boards, others with state-of-the art computers, chemistry a beautiful large wooden khatchkar. equipment, and art projects. The bright library had floor to ceiling Rev. Melkonian spoke of mission and worship in his sermon windows looking out to the athletic field and solar panels. that followed. Drawing on Matthew 5:13-16, he emphasized that Students pay no tuition at this private, AMAA-owned and oper- where there is no worship, mission is needed, and when all are ated School for grades K-12. School slots are in high demand and are worshipping the mission is accomplished. “Jesus Christ brings light only offered to local neighborhood residents. The neediest students into our lives, and true worship with it. We are called to take that are admitted first. The School gives priority to orphans, children worship to where it does not exist.” with working parents, and refugees. More than ten percent of the We returned to the church that evening for the first official current attendees are Syrian-Armenian refugees. Most students go Centennial event, a concert. We and other guests were impressed on to local universities, many to AUA. by the performers’ love for the Homeland and for the AMAA The AMAA provides operations funding for the School each expressed in recitations (in Armenian and English) as well as the year, and last year sponsors provided $30,000 for additional pro- musical numbers. grams. Additional funds are always needed for extracurricular and after school programs! Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries – AMAA Board member Ken Kevorkian, who was on our tour, A 100-Mile, 4-Hour Drive was so pleased to return to the site he visited with AMAA leaders Most of Monday, September 24 was spent traveling by bus in 2011 when they decided to buy the land. Just three years later, to and from two monasteries in the far north of Armenia, in a in 2014, the buildings opened and a short time after that the high setting similar to the Swiss Alps. The ancient Haghpat and Sa- school was opened, extending the education to 12th grade. nahin (even older!) monasteries are remote, at high elevations This was one of the most beautiful and welcoming schools I accessible only by a long series of hairpin turns. They would be have ever seen anywhere. How heartwarming to know that local chil- overrun tourist destinations if they were easier to get to! During dren growing up in very difficult circumstances can attend this free, the drive, our tour guide described the regions we were passing private institution, built with love by benefactors and the AMAA. through and their histories. The map we had showing AMAA

16 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Illumination, Artistic Heritage, and Armenian Evangelicals’ Art Many tour members went to see Khor Virap and Noravank monasteries on Wednesday, September 26. Mary Demirjian (First Armenian Church, Belmont, MA) recalled history lessons from her school days in Aleppo of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s establishment of Christianity in Armenia. The group went on to Noravank, which contains splendid 14th century Armenian Christian decorative art. In Yerevan that afternoon, other tour members and AMAA supporters were on hand for the elegant opening of a contemporary art exhibit featuring works of Armenian Evangelical artists. Erebouni’s Ancient Past, the Shogh Center’s Bright Present On Thursday, September 27, our tour took us to the Ere- bouni Museum and Archeological Preserve. On the exterior was the emblem celebrating Yerevan’s 2,800th year. Inside was an impressive and still growing collection of artifacts from the missions and projects in the far north as well as throughout Ar- area, expertly described by a museum guide. In the center of a menia was becoming more impressive as we experienced road simulated ancient courtyard was a large stone engraved with trips in its countryside, valleys, and mountains. ancient cuneiform, with one side etched over much later in time as a khatchkar! We stayed to listen to a quartet sing for us and Etchmiadzin, Sardarabad, and hiked up to the Erebouni Fortress ruins that have a panoramic “The Angel of Salvation” view of the city. We were immersed in the centuries-long saga of Armenian Later in the day, a small group of us visited the Shogh Day spiritual and national survival on Tuesday, September 25, vis- Center in Yerevan, the first such program the AMAA established iting Etchmiadzin, Sardarabad, and in the evening attending and the model for several others the AMAA has in Armenia, in- production of the play “The Angel of Salvation.” cluding the new one in Gyumri. Located in a dense, lower-income On the way to Etchmiadzin, our guide gave us some back- section of Yerevan and surrounded by unattractive apartment ground, telling us it was the first large Christian cathedral and complexes, the older building has been thoroughly brightened the model for the entire region as well as Europe as ancient up and has a welcoming atmosphere. AMAA Armenia Repre- churches were built. She also told us of the 1918 Catholicos’s sentative Harout Nercessian told us that the municipality gave refusal to retreat as Turkish forces were advancing to crush it to the AMAA for use as a day care facility. Armenia – he said that he would fight to defend the church He introduced Center Director Naira Keropyan, who told us himself and ordered church bells to be rung for six days to call the program operates for grades 1-8 but even high school students all Armenians to battle. continue to attend, and some former students are now volunteers. On the way to St. Gayane Cathedral, tour member Anahid Children here are from disadvantaged backgrounds, often with Terjimanian told us the history made famous by Armenian au- both parents working long hours, sometimes from abusive situa- thor Raffi of two lovers buried on opposite sides of the church. tions. The police refer difficult cases to this Center because of its The Ethnographic Museum, which won a top Soviet-era commitment and its individual attention to each child and their architecture award, and the Sardarabad monument with its bell family. Professional social workers design projects and activities tower and winged lions, were our next stop. In the Museum’s to help children learn and to provide an oasis of peace and love main hall, we heard about Armenian soldiers, priests, civilians, that fosters motivation. This successful program is the model for and children whose heroic actions preserved Armenia as a nation. five other Shogh Day Centers that AMAA is running in Armenia It was a day to remember heroes. In 1916, Rev. Hovhannes and Artsakh, including the new one in Gyumri. Eskijian died while running an operation that saved many Ar- AMAA child sponsorships support these children, although menian children and leaders being moved by the Turks through actual costs are well above the set contributions. Mr. Nercessian Aleppo to the Syrian desert. His efforts were documented in the told us there is a long waiting list, and the program currently book, At the Crossroads of Der Zor, and passed down by his serves 76 children while it was designed for just 60. surviving wife and son Luther. Playwright/Director Nune Abra- Ms. Keropyan spoke eloquently about the Center’s mission, hamyan transformed this history into “The Angel of Salvation.” its professional staff of believers who show God’s love and care We joined a full house to see the moving play and stayed to struggling families, and the positive impacts she’s seen. “We along with the entire audience for a series of heartfelt speeches use the Christian model of social work. All workers are believers, afterward. Many of us stayed out late, continuing to dwell on and we pray to overcome fear. We consider spiritual resources what Rev. Eskijian and other heroes of faith and of the nation as the most important,” she told us. “We don’t spare any effort, went through. and we allow the families and children to evaluate our work,

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 17 so they can express how they feel. Our greatest encouragement 2005, the alphabet’s 1,500th anniversary. As usual, our tour guide comes from the children.” had interesting history to share, this time on the alphabet’s creation We were privileged to be introduced to staff members and stu- and the split between Eastern and Western letter usage. Next, we saw dents, to see some work up close in an art class, to stand in a small a similar monument in Oshagan, near the burial shrine of Mesrob dance studio where classes are led by a war hero, to read messages Mashtots. School children were mingling with us – they were on a of hope dictated by the children and pinned to a wall, and to have field trip. It was wonderful to see them experiencing their heritage some dialogue with one of the staff psychologists. As we left the in a welcoming and climbable sculpture park where each letter Center, our hearts full, Director Keropyan and the children with her incorporated historical etchings, and it reminded us of AMAA’s warmly waved goodbye. commitment to the children of Armenia. We headed back to prepare for the Gala Banquet, held at the Journey to Geghart and Garni, then “A Marriott in Republic Square, where our tour group was staying. Journey of Faith, Love and Service” Gyumri The last stop on our official tour was to Gyumri, and another bus, plus cars and taxi vans, joined us on the long morning drive from Yerevan. We were so impressed by the large, well-built complex, the welcome we all received from staff and volunteers, the solemn service of dedication, and the fellowship that followed. Joining the large AMAA delegation and many locals at a restau- rant in the main square of Gyumri to celebrate the new center and church, this was the next to last of our group meals. The Gyumri gathering was the most memorable and moving, I concluded, during our sunset drive through the countryside back to Yerevan.

The Fruits of Faith, Love and Service In the latter part of its Centennial, the AMAA has built a com- passionate presence with evangelistic, humanitarian and mission projects in the Homeland of Armenia. We spent a wonderful two weeks together experiencing Armenia and celebrating the AMAA’s Centennial. Our tour included people from the First Armenian Church of Belmont, MA, Armenian Martyrs’ Church of Havertown, PA, United Armenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles, CA, Immanuel Armenian Congregational Church of Downey, CA, and Armenian Cilicia Evangelical Church of Pasadena, CA. We saw so much to be thankful for and to support while we were there. AMAA Board member Ken Kevorkian had these thoughts: “On On Friday, September 28, we drove to a vista of southern val- our AMAA trip to Armenia, I was overcome by excitement, awe, leys, hills with Mt. Ararat barely visible in the background. On the and emotion. I along with everyone else was so pleased and excited way, our tour guide described the history and importance of the to see the Avedisian School and watch the children in action. I was Geghart monastery to the Armenian church and to her personally in awe of the beauty and quality of design and construction of the (she was married there). We continued to the monastery, where Gyumri Center and Sanctuary. As we toured the Shogh Center, I we saw sacred music singers sing prayers in the cave. Then others had a difficult time keeping my emotions in check. I have gained could hear us as tour member Anahid Terjimanian led us in singing great respect for the teachers and was overwhelmed by the special the Hayr Mer. needs of the children.” A fellowship lunch followed in Garni, where tour members Don and Diane Uber of the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational shared family histories of suffering and survival. AMAA staff mem- Church, Havertown, PA, took the tour with us and have contributed ber Magda Poulos had arrived to help with the weekend events, and to many AMAA efforts over the years. “This was our first trip to she joined us for the day. She answered tour members’ questions Armenia, and it was great to see the many great projects the AMAA about AMAA Armenia operations funding, as well as endowment has invested in to improve Armenia’s future. They are a wonderful and campaign needs. complement to the optimistic feeling in the Armenia air after the We returned in time to prepare for an evening at the beautiful recent elections. The trip has encouraged us to continue and perhaps Yerevan Opera Theatre, joining a full house of guests for the AMAA increase our contributions to AMAA efforts.” Centennial cultural program. Debbie Fermanian, one of several tour members from the large Immanuel Armenian Congregational Church contingent, said that 1,500+ Years of the Armenian Alphabet, they all had a very memorable experience in Armenia. 100 Years of AMAA Armenia at this time is looking to the future with great hope, Saturday, September 29, we went on a short excursion to Arta- and the AMAA’s legacy of faith, love, and service has produced shayan where we saw the Armenian Alphabet monument built in excellent fruit that is nourishing the new generation. q

18 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Memorable All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference Held in Armenia

uring the summer of 2018, Armenia was the gathering place for nearly 150 youth and leaders from Armenian Evangeli- Dcal churches and Unions from all over the world, as the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) celebrated the Centennial of its founding with an All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference. Armenian youth from 15 different countries from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Artsakh participated in the Conference. The youth gathered in the Homeland, some for the first time, to experience a connection with one another, with their culture and heritage, and with their identity as young Armenian Christians. They visited some of the significant touristic sights in and around Yerevan and became acquainted with the educational and benevolent work of the AMAA in Armenia. The youth split into different groups and immersed themselves in various hands-on projects in communities around Armenia. On Wednesday, August 15, RA Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan participated in the Conference’s closing ceremony at AMAA’s Camp Sheen-Shoghig in Hankavan. Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian, in his closing message, directed the youth to 1 Timothy 6:11 as a concrete plan against which they can evaluate their growth as young Armenian Christians. A youth talent show revealed the amazing gifts these young people have, whether in instrumental music, singing, Armenian and modern dance, drama, or comedy. Wrapping up the evening was a word of thanks to the members of the organizing and plan- ning committees and to the leaders who stepped in to help during the two weeks. The relationships which began at the Conference will now become worldwide networked connections. We pray that these new networks will help sustain the vitality of the Armenian Evangelical Church in every place and well into the future. q

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 19 YEARS OF SERVICE

The Armenian1OO Missionary Association of America A Legacy of Faith, Love and Service

By Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D. Part IV On July 7, 1996, at the Jubilee Celebrations of the 150th An- niversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church held in Yerevan, the Education Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness, Karekin I, acknowl- he Armenian Evangelical Community has always val- edged the signifi cance of the Armenian Evangelical contribution to ued the importance of education; in fact the Armenian education by acknowledging this fact: We note their unforgettable Evangelical churches have been pioneers in establishing and greatly appreciated work….in the area of education. I know to quality schools. As it was mentioned earlier, in the “old what I am referring to, because many schools were opened and the Tcountry” most churches had a school attached to them to promote the light of knowledge greatly spread among our people through the light of the Gospel and knowledge. After the Genocide, the love of direct activity of the Armenian Evangelical Church. Also, they have learning continued to inspire our people. Rev. Chopourian correctly done great work throughout their 150-year history in caring for our observes, “For displaced people, the most important and permanent people’s social needs… a job well done!13 capital is education.”12 Hence, the survivors of the Genocide who The AMAA played a very signifi cant role by fi nding resources took refuge in the shanty camps of Aleppo, Beirut, Anjar, etc. were to purchase properties and build schools, providing scholarships, and helped by the AMAA and others to establish schools where children meeting urgent needs created by the political storms, that passed over sat on the fl oors of large wooden huts. In Aleppo’s Bethel School, the Middle East. Currently over 1,000 students receive fi nancial aid like some in Lebanon, the classrooms were partitioned by canvas and and 150 college students have tuition assistance. The current status for the morning and evening worship-hour the canvases were drawn of the schools is presented by each country or state. to one side to create an assembly hall eff ect. As I recall, the Aleppo Armenia has been the recent focus of the AMAA where a large Evangelical community had more schools than any other Armenian educational complex with a very modern structure was built. The entity; for example, marginal areas like Sheikh Maksoud and Da- Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center, woudieh had Evangelical elementary schools. Some of these schools located in Yerevan, has the capacity to educate 500 students. provided a hot lunch for the neediest students. As time went on Greece has the Armenian Evangelical Kindergarten of Kok- classes were added and secondary schools emerged and even a col- kinia, located on the Church grounds. lege was established in Beirut, Lebanon. These schools, which were Iran has supported for a long time Gohar Mesrobian School open to all Armenian students, regardless of denominational belong- which continues to this day. ing or political affi liation, produced thousands of well-educated and Artsakh, which has a growing young population, has four enlightened graduates who went on to make a good living or con- kindergartens: Hagop and Lydia Baghdigian KG in Stepanakerd tinue their education and become professionals and good citizens. established in 2001, Hagop Garabed Bilezikian KG in Shushi es- tablished in 2001, Askeran KG established in 2003 and Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian KG in Martakert established in 2003. Lebanon is rich with its educational institutions most of which were negatively impacted by the 16-year-long Civil War. After 1995 the rebuilding and reorganizing began with the AMAA providing Armenian Evangelical the needed resources and leadership; the country and Secondary School in the Evangelical community were impoverished and Anjar, Lebanon. demoralized. Haigazian College was established on October 17, 1955 with the sum of $25,000 pledged

20 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Middle School. All these schools depend on the AMAA’s Child Sup- port programs and alumni donations; the populace has not recovered from the effects of the war which is compounded by the high cost of living. Although the schools do not enjoy the large number of students, which they used to have prior to the war, they have maintained their quality of education and their spiritual and moral orientation and have a good track record in passing government exams. Syria continues to be a very tragic story where the recent war has decimated the population by death, displacement and immigra- tion. Aleppo, which used to have five Evangelical schools, is down to Bethel High School (K-12) which continues to serve the com- munity very well in spite of the hard times. The struggle to survive and thrive continues daily and under the shadow of impending death. The first graduating class of Haigazian College Aleppo College is another important institution which also is a direct with Dr. John Markarian, President of the descendent of evangelical high schools in Turkey. Although it used College, and his daughter (standing in the front). to be managed by Mission and church bodies, the Armenian Evan- gelical Union of Syria and Lebanon had a 51% share in the property. by Steven and Mary Mehagian in memory of Mary’s father Dr. Ar- The school was recently partitioned between the Synod of Syria and menag Haigazian, President of the Jenanian School in Konya. Others Lebanon and the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in like Florence Gertmenian Mehagian and Stephen Philibosian also the Near East, which received the Girls school, including half of the contributed to the original fund to establish the College. property on which is located the Emmanuel Elementary School. After Rev. Dr. John Markarian became the Founding President and the independence of Armenia in 1991, the President’s residence has began the hard work of building an institution of higher learning become the formal Consulate general of Armenia. There is also the with 43 students and scarce resources but a lot of faith and enthusi- Syriac Evangelical School still functioning. According to reports not asm. During his tenure the College was accredited by the Lebanese many Armenians are left in Aleppo. Damascus still has one elementary Ministry of Education as a four year institution of higher learning. school. Kessab has an elementary school, which was damaged but Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian (1967-1971) served for three years between has been fixed and teaching has resumed. Dr. Markarian’s two terms. From June 1982 to February 1985, Dr. Turkey has the Hrant Dink School, established in 2003, located Verne H. Fletcher was appointed as President. at the Gedik Pasha Church property. The Civil War forced the College to abandon its campus and to United States of America: The Armenian Evangelical com- relocate in the Eastern part of Beirut near the Armenian Community. munity dreamt for a long time of having Armenian Evangelical From February 1985 the College was led by Dean Wilma Cholakian, Schools in the United States. Early in the 1980s the opportunity came with the assistance of some faculty, courageously maintained the when sisters Charlotte and Elise Merdinian of Los Angeles, made a Institution through trying war times. In August 1995, Rev. Dr. John generous donation for that purpose. Consequently, the School was Khanjian was elected as President. He served till August 31, 2002. founded in 1982 in Sherman Oaks, California. The C & E Merdinian During his tenure the old campus was renovated, refurbished, and the Armenian Evangelical School is Pre-school through 8th grade. It institution moved back to its campus in West Beirut. is WASC accredited and enjoys a high reputation as an institution In 1997 the College was accredited by the Lebanese government of quality education. as a University with four faculties. The academic programs were Each Armenian Evangelical Church has a Sunday school pro- updated, policies and procedures were introduced, a solid foundation gram, which provides religious education, in addition to the religion was laid for further development, and the number of the students and classes that students take in their schools and the chapel services majors increased. As of September 1, 2002, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, they have to attend. a well-known and highly respected theologian, became the President. To date the institution has produced 3,860 BA graduates in 28 Youth Programs majors and 178 graduates from the 11 MA programs. Recently, the The AMAA has always considered the Youth Programs, affili- University established the Armenian Diaspora Research Center, ated with the churches as important for the health and existence of which has been prolific in the number of international conferences which it holds, and publications printed by the Haigazian Press. The institution continues to flourish under the wise and able leadership of Dr. Haidostian. The Near East School of Theology is another institution of higher learning, which prepares, in cooperation with Haigazian University, pastors and Christian educators for the reformed Churches in the Near East and worldwide. The AMAA is a partner with other Mission and Church bodies in supporting this institution which is the continuation of our three Seminaries in Asia Minor, and was founded in 1932. In addition to the above, the Evangelical Community of Lebanon Children's Camp in Armenia, early 1990s. boasts of four secondary schools, which have K-12 grades and one

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 21 the churches and communities. These programs are multifaceted; they include Sunday schools, junior high and high school groups, Volunteers at the Christian Endeavor groups, youth organizations, Daily Vacation AMAA's Forest Bible Schools, and Church camps, used by all ages. The youth ministries with their various names have been the Ave., Paramus fertile ground where the future ministers have been nurtured and Headquarters, the commitments made for full-time service. The health of a church preparing medica- depends on the spiritual experience and nurture of its members. tion shipment to This nurture starts early at the Sunday school, youth group, Bible Armenia, early study class, day school, and summer camps. 1990s. The summer camps play a very vital role in enriching the spiritual experience and providing a place for retreats and seminars. Large church unions have run their own camps. The in Vanadzor and Yerevan; a Summer Camp in Hankavan for over Union of the Evangelical Churches of Armenia has a very large 1,600 children who receive physical and spiritual nourishment; milk camp, Camp SHOGHIG in Hankavan region. Artsakh enjoys the formula distribution to over 500 infants and families; and Christmas Bedrosian Camp in Shushi; both of these camps have staff that gifts to over 9,000 children. Also support is provided to “Shogh” plan year round for the summer events, which host thousands of Community-based Educational Day Centers, nurseries, children’s children, youth and adults. The churches in Bulgaria rent camps hospitals, the families of martyred soldiers and recently help is for their summer camping activities. The Union of the Armenian offered to Syrian-Armenian refugees who have been relocated in Evangelical Churches of France has two camps: La Fontanelle and Armenia with the assistance of the AMAA. The Armenia Medical La Source. The Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in Mission Team, headed by Dr. Albert Phillips, has been rendering the Near East also has two camps called KCHAG, one is located invaluable medical services to the villagers of the Lori region in the near Beirut, Lebanon and the other camp is in Kessab, Syria. The cities of Stepanavan and Vanadzor, to which the Sissian region was KCHAG Camp of Lebanon, which was in ruins due to the civil added, as well as Yerevan. The team which consists of physicians, war, is renovated and upgraded, and back in operation, thanks to nurses, healthcare professionals and volunteers anually provides for the friends of KCHAG and the AMAA. However, the KCHAG one week free medical help to hundreds of people. Camp in Kessab, Syria which was in shambles is being repaired Artsakh receives relief for 200 orphans, needy children, and and some activities have resumed. In Turkey, the Gedik Pasha milk formula for newborn babies who cannot be breastfed. The Church had Camp ARMEN in Tuzla, which was lately returned to Summer Camp in Shushi provides nourishment and rest for many its legal owner, the Gedik Pasha church. In the words of Executive children. The Association sends Christmas gifts to children and runs Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, ”The AMAA reaffirms the continu- “Shogh” Community-based Educational Day Centers in Askeran and ation of its full-fledged support of the camp and will work with the Shushi. Also help is provided to the families of martyred soldiers. Gedik Pasha Church to advance the mission of Camp ARMEN.”14 Lebanon, whose civil war ended some time ago, continues to be The Armenian Evangelical Union of North America runs two in need of assistance. The AMAA through the Armenian Evangelical camps one on the East coast, Camp AREVELK (a rented facility) Social Service Center, Centers for the Armenian Handicapped in and another on the West coast, Camp AREV, which is a large and Lebanon, and the Home for the Elderly continues its support un- well-developed facility that serves not only the youth but also abated. The huge numbers of refugees from Syria have been added many churches, almost year round. The Armenian Evangelical to the list of people in need and of special consideration. Churches of Belgium and Bulgaria also run summer camps in Syria with its ongoing catastrophic war is a humanitarian di- rented facilities with the help of the AMAA. saster; it is unable to sustain the wellbeing of its citizens; hence, the Armenian community is dependent for its very existence on outside Humanitarian and Relief Aid help. Here also the AMAA is heavily involved in fundraising and Relief work has been the hallmark of the AMAA from its helping to sustain the elementary and secondary schools and offers inception to the present; and its work is not confined to the Arme- financial aid to the five churches. The AMAA also provides relief nian communities but often encompasses other nationalities where provisions to the retired teachers, the Association for the Armenian humanitarian aid is needed after major catastrophes. Compassion Blind, the old age home, the medical and dental clinics, subsidizes knows no limits. For the Armenian community, services for the sick, the salaries of the pastors and the teachers, and distributes sustenance the elderly, the orphan, the widowed, the poor, the handicapped and assistance to the suffering Syrian-Armenians. In Syria and Lebanon the displaced are carried on by local churches or social organiza- 1,200 children are sponsored by the AMAA. tions and the AMAA provides the needed finances or resources. For It is noteworthy to acknowledge the pioneering and outstand- example the Association sends relief to families and the elderly in ing humanitarian service, which the Armenian Evangelical Social Armenia, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Georgia, Services Center rendered to the Armenian refugees, who came to Lebanon, Syria, and Uruguay. Some countries, because of their Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The AMAA encouraged the idea geopolitical situation, have extensive needs such as Armenia, Art- of establishing such a center in Hollywood, and contributed not sakh, Lebanon, and Syria. only to some of the expenses of the first year, but also continued Armenia: The Association has a sponsorship program for to support it for many years. The Center, which was established 1,600 children and families and another one for the elderly; sup- in 1977, offered a full range of social services such as counseling ports the Aynilian Health Care Center in Yerevan; a Dental Clinic in the areas of immigration, employment, and education; it taught

22 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 classes in English as a Second Language and Acculturation. The Center ended its services on March 31, 2012. FOOTNOTE A statement in the brochure of the Centennial Campaign con- 12. Chopourian, op. cit. p.6 cisely presents the AMAA‘s endeavors: 13. Ibid. p.6 For almost one hundred years the Armenian Missionary As- 14. AMAA News, Oct.-Dec. 2015 sociation of America has served the Lord by putting faith into action 15. The Centennial Campaign, AMAA, p.1 Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D. is the past President of Haigazian University in Beirut, for our brothers and sisters in need. We have built churches, schools, Lebanon. and camps, provided life-giving medical care, created educational opportunities, met the needs of those in want and done much more. * The author is grateful to Louisa Janbazian for reviewing, proofreading and filling the lacuna in his information. Upon this legacy of faith, love, and service, we embrace a future filled with opportunities to do even more, a second century of serv- ing the Lord by serving others.15 been and continues to be to spread the light of the Gospel and of Indeed the need is great; the challenge to keep the balance benevolence and good will to all. As it was mentioned, compas- between the four demanding areas of Evangelism, Education, sion knows no boundaries. Jesus commands us to not only be the Youth Programs and Humanitarian Relief is daunting and requires light of the world but also to “be merciful just as your Father is experienced, knowledgeable, and responsible leadership from the merciful.” Luke 6:36. AMAA; our faith in God and the Armenian people is also great. Every mission has a vision behind it and the AMAA’s vision has The End

AMAA Holds 99th Annual Meeting Elects New Board Members for Class of 2021 he 99th Annual Meeting of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) was held at the United TArmenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, October 20, 2018. AMAA President Nazareth Darakjian, M.D. presided over the meeting. Rev. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Protestant Community of Syria offered a prayer and a short devotion based on Jeremiah 29:11: “For this, we are called to embody this Word of God: ‘I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord. ‘They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope’.” Reflecting on people’s pressures, problems and pain, he said hope liberates people from hopelessness and gives them direction and purpose for life. “We simply cooperate with God,” he said, “for He has plans for us.” During the meeting AMAA Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs, as well as delegates of the Armenian Evangelical Unions, the Armenian Evangelical World Council and affiliated organiza- tions shared their joys and concerns and praised God for another successful year. The general membership of the AMAA elected the following nine members to the Board of Directors Class of 2021 for a term of three years: Bryan Agbabian, Bryan Bedrosian, Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian, John Cherkezian, Mark Kassabian, Esq., Louis Kurkjian, Heather Ohaneson, Ph.D., Michele Simourian and Ken Kevorkian. In conjunction with the AMAA Annual Meeting, the Armenian Evangelical World Council held its meeting on October 18 and 19. Eternal during the past year. Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian officiated On Sunday, October 21, members and guests joined the United at the installation of the newly elected members of the Board of Armenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles for a special Directors Worship Service. Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian We take this opportunity to thank the members of the United University, preached in English and Rev. Hovhannes Hovsepyan, Armenian Congregational Church and their pastors for hosting the Pastor of the Evangelical Church of Armenia in Yerevan, preached Annual Meeting and for welcoming us with great warmth, hospital- in Armenian. A special prayer was offered in memory of AMAA ity, delicious meals and enthusiasm. We pray that God will continue members and friends who made the transition from this life to Life to abundantly bless this congregation and their ministry. q

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 23 C ENTE NNIAL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ARM ENI AN M I SSIO N A R Y A S S OCI A T I O N OF AMERICA Avedisian School The award-winning Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center in Armenia is a shining example of the AMAA’s one-hundred year commitment to its mission in educati on. Safe, respec� ul environment. Small class sizes. Individual a� enti on. State-of-the art faciliti es. Tuiti on-free school. These are just a few of the many reasons why students at the Avedisian School are moti vated to excel and reach their fullest potenti al. Supporti ng this insti tuti on is our way of supporti ng young people in Armenia, its future leaders, for years to come. Educati on is an investment in the future. Join us in supporti ng Lucine Mnatsakanyan this outstanding School with a gi� that will have a lasti ng eff ect. Below are testi monies of two bright and moti vated Avedisian School students.

Learning for Life… the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School

Lucine Mnatsakanyan. "Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." This quote has led me since September 2014. This remains a signifi cant date for me because it is the very fi rst time that I entered a school which has changed my life –the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School. During my three years of studies at the Avedisian School, I learned values and principles, which became the foundation for my success. Right after fi nishing high school, I gained admittance to the American University of Armenia (AUA). Some months later, at the age of 17, I got my fi rst job and earned my fi rst salary, working at my dream job. During the summer of 2018, I was selected by the US Embassy Yerevan to represent Armenia in the United States of America at different international seminars and conferences. In addition to this experience, I continue volunteering and helping people in need. Along with all of my activities, I have an excellent academic standing at AUA. For my future, I am planning to continue my education and work for the interest of my country.

Mane Karapetyan. It has always been my desire to pursue higher education and attend University. When I heard about the American University of Armenia (AUA), I began my research to learn about the admission requirements. I was able to learn that the students who attend are well-educated, required entrance exam scores, voluntarism, etc. The Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School inspires me to study and prepare so that I will be able to attend the University of my dreams. C ENTE NNIAL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ARM ENI AN M I SSIO N A R Y A S S OCI A T I O N OF AMERICA Avedisian School The award-winning Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center in Armenia is a shining example of the AMAA’s one-hundred year commitment to its mission in educati on. Safe, respec� ul environment. Small class sizes. Individual a� enti on. State-of-the art faciliti es. Tuiti on-free school. These are just a few of the many reasons why students at the Avedisian School are moti vated to excel and reach their fullest potenti al. Supporti ng this insti tuti on is our way of supporti ng young people in Armenia, its future leaders, for years to come. Educati on is an investment in the future. Join us in supporti ng this outstanding School with a gi� that will have a lasti ng eff ect. Below are testi monies of two bright and moti vated Avedisian School students.

Learning for Life… the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School

Avedisian School provides its students with many benefi ts and privileges that other schools do not offer. We are fortunate to have some of the best teachers of the country teach at Avedisian School. The School is not a big one and everyone knows each other. We have Mane Karapetyan friendly staff and teachers, an amazing library, a variety of Clubs and an incredible Principal (Mrs. Melanya Geghamyan) who is one of the best people I know. I have been a student at the Avedisian School for almost three years, and I can say for sure that people here are friendlier than in my previous School. That is what makes this School so benefi cial and special for me. The fact is, Avedisian School is not only giving me the education I need to enter the University, but also involved me in an amazing community of volunteers that help poor families. Avedisian School is an educational center with lots of opportunities and I love the School, the teachers and the Principal. I praise God for giving me the opportunity to be in the best school that has prepared me to enter the University of my dream."

Through the kindness and generosity of our donors, the AMAA will continue this most important ministry for Armenia's new generation. Armenian Evangelical World Council

AEWC 2018 Biennial Meeting in Los Angeles

By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, AEWC Executive Director he Biennial Meeting of the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) was held in Los Angeles, CA on October T18-19, 2018. Representatives of the five Church Unions and two missionary organizations of the AEWC, as well as some out of country guests, were in attendance. Before the business meeting, Rev. Berdj Djambazian conducted a brief devotional service. Also, a brief period of remembrance was led by Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, in memory of the seven Armenian Evangelical ministers who made their transition from this world to their eternal home during the years 2017-2018. Both written and oral reports were given by the AEWC President Front row L to R: Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, Zaven Khanjian, Rev. Dr. Rev. Berdj Djambazian, Executive Director Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian Vahan H. Tootikian, Rev. Berdj Djambazian, Rev. Joël Mikaélian, and Treasurer Dr. Nurhan Helvacian. Furthermore, brief oral reports Joyce Philibosian Stein. were presented by the seven-member organizations. Back row L to R: Rev. Avetik Khachatryan (guest), Rev. Hovhanes Hovsepyan (guest), Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, Rev. Haroutune The following items were duly discussed and acted upon: Selimian, Rev. Dr. René Léonian, Rev. Gilbert Léonian, Rev. Albert 1. Mode of Electing AEWC’s Officers. Traditionally, elections Paytyan, Rev. Megerditch Karagoezian, Rev. Vatche Ekmekjian, of the AEWC officers were made from the three founding Harout Nercessian (guest) and Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian (guest). church Unions. It was resolved that henceforth the elec- tions be conducted according to the bylaws, namely, including all member church Unions. 2. Dialogue between the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and AEWC. Although the relationship between the Holy See and AEWC has been cordial, there was no official dialogue during the year 2017-18. The Council expressed its readiness to resume the dialogue when the Holy See is ready to do so. 3. Evaluation of the AMAA Centennial Anniversary Celebrations. The Council registered its appreciation for the impact of the AMAA’s Centennial celebrations worldwide. 4. Vacancy of Armenian Evangelical Pulpits. Although the Council could not come up with any short-range solution to the crisis created by the shortage of ministers, it maintained that the long-range solution of this crisis lies primarily in the revitalization and rededication of our churches and youth ministries from which will emerge new candidates for ministry. 5. Feasibility of a United Armenian Evangelical Authority. A special committee was assigned in 2017 to study this matter. The committee had no report on this subject. The Council urged the committee members to pursue their task and present a report by the next executive committee meeting in October 2019. 6. Representation at the Annual Conventions of Sister Unions. The Council discussed the proposal that each Union send a repre- sentative to its sister Union’s annual convention. It decided that the implementation of the proposal is up to each church Union. 7. Evaluation of the 2018 All Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference. A comprehensive evaluation was made of the All-Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference, held in Armenia from August 2-16, 2018. The youth executives made 30 proposals to Armenian Evangelical churches for their study and deliberation. The Council resolved that each Union should instruct its churches to seriously study these proposals. It also decided that Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian prepare and mail an action plan to all churches inviting them to an All Armenian Evangelical Pastor’s and Laymen’s Conference, to be held in Armenia during the first week of August 2020. 8. The Status of AEWC Endowment Fund. A proposal from the AMAA Treasurer addressed to the Council, that the AEWC Endow- ment Fund, which is in the AMAA custody, be converted from its custodial status to a “Specified Use Endowment Fund,” subject to the following conditions and stipulations: the Endowment Fund may only be used for AEWC specified purposes; at no time the AEWC Endowment may be subject to any management fees, appropriations or any AMAA charges; the Endowment Fund may be withdrawn in part or in full by the AEWC at will. 9. Election of New Officers. The following officers were elected for the year 2019-2020: Rev. Joel Mikaelian, President; Rev. Albert Paytyan, Vice President; Rev. Haroutune Selimian, Secretary; Dr. Nurhan Helvacian, Treasurer. 10. Closing Remarks. The Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Tootikian, closed the meeting expressing his thanks to the outgoing officers of the Council and extending his congratulations to the newly elected officers. Furthermore, on behalf of the Council, he ex- pressed his thanks to the host church, the United Armenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles. The meeting was adjourned with Rev. Dr. Tootikian’s prayer and Benediction.

26 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 News and Notes

MAN OF VISION WITH A MISSION The Unveiling of Former AMAA Executive Director Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian’s Bust in Yerevan

I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. Acts. 26. 29

"In 301 AD, our forebears made a covenant with Jesus Christ. If we fulfi ll our commitment to that covenant, then God will abundantly bless our small but precious nation, and He will make our nation a source of blessings not only to its sons and daughters, but also to its neighboring peoples and to all humanity. We believe that this is our nation’s reason for being; this is our people’s mission in the world; and this is the God-ordained destiny of our Haigaznian (Armenian) race." Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian Sept. 22-23, 1999, Armenia Diaspora First Conference in Yerevan

he grateful leadership of the and guests from different schools and Homeland formally recognized organizations. Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian’s The celebration began with the godly activities in the preservation anthems of the Republic of Armenia and Tof the nation 13 years ago. For his devotion the Movses Janbazian School. School in inspiring the people of Armenia with Principal Knarik Hayrapetyan welcomed the strength and peace, moral treasury and guests. Special remarks were made by Rev. purity, the No. 79 Middle School of Yerevan Dr. René Léonian, Hagop Janbazian, Aram was named the “Movses Janbazian No. 79 Sukissyan, Louisa Janbazian, Arch. Khajag Middle School” on the fi fth anniversary of Hagopian and others. They spoke about Rev. his passing on September 26, 2005. Janbazian’s life and activities highlighting On September 3, 2018 the unveiling of his patriotic service through the AMAA in the bust of Rev. Dr. Janbazian, sculpted by Armenia and Artsakh, and his great role in Rev. Janbazian’s brother Hagop Janbazian, strengthening Armenia - Diaspora ties in took place at the Movses Janbazian No. 79 education and other spheres. Middle School of Yerevan. Sculptor Hagop Janbazian said: “Soaked The ceremony was attended by Rev. with national and spiritual ideas, with Rev. Janbazian’s wife Louisa Janbazian, son Janbazian’s magnifi cent vision and eff orts, Vahak Janbazian, brother Hagop Janbazian, the AMAA established its center in the sister Ani Janbazian Hasserjian, Armenia newly independent Armenia, which for the Representative of the Armenian Missionary past 27 years has continued its mission of Association of America (AMAA) Harout extending a hand to the disadvantaged, the Nercessian, President of the Union of poor, the needy, the students, the children Armenian Evangelical Churches in Eurasia and to all mankind in the Homeland and Rev. Dr. René Léonian, Senior Pastor Artsakh. Yes, Rev. Janbazian’s life was a of the Evangelical Church of Armenia daily sacrifi ce for the people and for the Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, Deputy Mayor Homeland that he worshipped. From Anjar of Yerevan Aram Sukyasyan, Head of to Beirut and Damascus, from Brazil to the General Education Department Anna United States of America, from Istanbul to Stepanyan, Former Prelate of the Prelacy of Canada and to the Motherland and Artsakh, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Canada, he acted unwaveringly, preached with Arch. Khajag Hagopian, employees of the faith tirelessly and unshakably, remaining AMAA and Armenian Evangelical Churches steadfast, fi rst to his own person and then to of Armenia, teachers, parents, and children, his surroundings. He was consumed slowly,

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 27 transforming his life into a pure and living example with a complete, devotional, nationalistic and spiritual moral fervor.” Following the official unveiling of the bust, the school children gathered in the Auditorium and presented a special program dedicated to the life of Rev. Janbazian. The program concluded with a video presentation which highlighted Rev. Janbazian’s activities in Armenia and Artsakh. With the passing of Rev. Janbazian in 2000, the Armenian people lost a great Armenian who faithfully served God and the people and invested his precious contribution into the treasury of the Lord and the nation, forgetting himself, and his own personal needs. He was one of those rare people who became a blessing to the nation that bore him. It is impossible to list all the contributions Rev. Janbazian made with great devotion. He knew that he did not just work for his L to R: Principal Knarik Hayrapetyan, Hagop Janbazian, Vahak Paul time, but also for the future. Rev. Janbazian understood that all the Janbazian, Arch. Khajag Hagopian, Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, Rev. Dr. Armenians in the world would become one nation whose Homeland René Léonian, Rev. Hovhannes Hovsepyan, Harout Nercessian and is Armenia, and these two are under one flag, the Armenian tricolor. q Louisa Janbazian.

(Translated and adapted from the Armenian version written by Andranik Mardoyan, Press Secretary of AMAA-Armenia)

To the Editor, AMAA News: First of all, I want to express my appreciation for the quality and regularity of the “AMAA News,” and how it has established a bilingual presence in print and online for Armenian Evangelicals in North America in this new century, par- ticularly in the absence of any other such periodical. I have been reading with interest the instructive historical survey, written by Rev. Dr. John Khanjian, about the first century of the AMAA’s existence, and have been awed by those titans who did their utmost to serve the needs of Armenians worldwide. It places a heavy responsibility on our shoulders to develop new visionary leaders for times such as this. In the concluding paragraph of Part III (p. 18, July-Aug-Sept 2018 issue) the author gives the impression that in the face of all the pressures and difficulties being endured in the Middle East these days, churches and institutions have no strategic plan, but are allowing circumstances to draw them along toward an uncertain future. “Faith may be a valuable asset but so is rational planning” implies that a passive “faith” that things will get better is the Armenian Evangelical Union’s guiding principle here in the Near East. The AMAA has been a strategic partner in the UAECNE’s work for a century, and its leadership in many cases consists of people who have emigrated to the US from the Middle East. It is certainly aware that the art of planning for the future is a challenge here, to say the least. One’s carefully prepared plan can be rendered irrelevant very quickly due to “events on the ground” or even due to the pronouncement of some nation’s leader half a world away; indeed that has been the case repeatedly, and continues so to this day. Those who have the advantage of doing strategic planning within a society that enjoys relatively greater stability may not fully appreciate what church leaders in the Middle East face on a daily basis. As someone who, with my wife Maria, is being supported (in part) by the AMAA in our ministry here in Lebanon, I trust that this type of comment does not reflect an attitude of the AMAA as a whole. I and others here will continue to do our utmost to serve this community with that assurance, and with a well-grounded and rational faith in the Lord Jesus, knowing that the health of the entire Diaspora is inextricably linked to the strength and health of the Armenian community of the Near East.

Sincerely, Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian Coordinator of Church Relations, Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East Beirut, Lebanon

28 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Estate of the Late Diana A. Apoian Announces Three Major Bequests Benefitting the Armenian-American Community Including the AMAA

he estate of the late Diana Alice Apoian, through its Executor Mark A. Momjian, Esq., has announced three major bequests of $300,000 each to the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational TChurch, Havertown, PA; the Armenian Sisters Academy, Radnor, PA; and the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Paramus, NJ. A native Philadelphian and a first-generation daughter of Armenian immigrants, Diana Apoian was born January 27, 1937 at Lankenau Hospital. Her parents were born in Severek (modern-day Siverek), located between Urfa and Diyarbakir in the southeastern section of the Ottoman Empire. Michael Apoian (1906-1998) and Elizabeth Saydalian Apoian (1910-1987) worshipped as members of the L to R: Principal Knarik Hayrapetyan, Hagop Janbazian, Armenian Evangelical Church, formed under the auspices of the American Board of Commissioners Vahak Paul Janbazian, Arch. Khajag Hagopian, Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, for Foreign Missions. They emigrated to the United States in 1920, while the Armenian Genocide Rev. Dr. René Léonian, Rev. Hovhannes Hovsepyan, was still in progress. Married in Philadelphia in 1929, Mr. Apoian worked as a shoe repairer, and Harout Nercessian and Louisa Janbazian. Mrs. Apoian worked as a seamstress and dressmaker. As a child growing up in Philadelphia, Ms. Apoian loved going to dances and enjoyed spending time with friends at the Elmwood Roller Skating (Translated and adapted from the Armenian version written by Andranik Mardoyan, Press Secretary of AMAA-Armenia) Rink. Ms. Apoian and her two siblings, the late Joseph Apoian, a Professor of Mathematics at Drexel University, and her surviving sister Anna Brantley, a retired bookkeeper, all graduated from John M. Patterson Elementary School, William T. Tilden Middle School, and John Bartram High School, where Ms. Apoian was a member of the Class of 1954 and an active participant in the Dance and Swim Clubs. After graduation, Ms. Apoian worked as a systems analyst for the Bell Telephone Company, where she was employed for many decades. Ms. Apoian grew up attending the Armenian Evangelical Church, as well as the Southwestern Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed Bible study and singing hymns. Later in life, Ms. Apoian loved attending Broadway musicals and going to Nashville and Branson to hear country music. She considered herself one of the country’s biggest fans of singer-songwriter, Neil Diamond. Ms. Apoian was a devoted and beloved member of the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church of Havertown. She passed away on March 15, 2018 and is buried in the historic Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, PA. q

Christine Kutlu, AMAA Marketing and Events Manager

n September 2018, Christine Kutlu joined the Armenian Missionary Association of America as Marketing and Events Manager to help the AMAA capture a new community. Along with many other responsibilities, Ishe will assist in driving change across the organization by developing programs to engage the youth within the AMAA. She is extremely honored and humbled to be working alongside individuals and churches involved with such a Godly mission. Born in California and raised in New Jersey, Christine is a first-generation college graduate from Ramapo College of New Jersey where she majored in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing with a minor in Accounting. She has worked in different industries and volunteered her time to help build homes in Armenia with the Fuller Center Housing for Armenia, joined HypeLite, a non-profit to help children bridge the gap between passion and purpose, and was part of the Ad Book Committee and Armenian Olympics sporting event for the Armenian Youth Federation. Shortly after graduation, Christine started a pastry business called B. Baklava to honor her Grandparents’ dedication to the Armenian culture and to honor her incredible Mother. It was during Easter when in a dream Christine saw Jesus Christ who delivered a message to her. Her mission then became clear that she was to Share the LAV through Armenian style pastries such as Baklava and Boregs. LAV symbolizes love, translates to good in Armenian, and is a play on words for BakLAVa. With revenue and products, she contributed to charities and donated time and pastries for fundraising events. Through her volunteer work, business and work history, Christine gained much knowledge in all functions of marketing which helped her get her dream job at the AMAA. She will continue to Share the LAV by helping the AMAA prosper and fulfill its worldwide mission of maintaining a range of educational, evangelistic, relief, social service, church and child care ministries. Christine’s view on life, of evolving to better herself and helping others, comes from her favorite Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 29 The Merdinian School Women’s Auxiliary Celebrates 20th Anniversary and Honors Suzie Phillips, a Founding Member

By Louisa Janbazian

n Saturday, November 3, 2018, the Verdugo Hall of Mrs. Phillips expressed Castaway Restaurant in Burbank, CA was filled with joy her gratitude for this honor Oand great enthusiasm as friends and supporters of the C and said: “I feel, as mem- & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School gathered together bers of the Auxiliary, we for a Fall Luncheon to celebrate the School’s Women’s Auxiliary are helping the students to and its 20th Anniversary and to pay tribute to one of the founding grow in some small way. members, Suzie Phillips. From the Principal to the After an Invocation offered by Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, teachers to the visiting min- Interim Pastor of the United Armenian Congregational Church isters, we are all planting of Los Angeles, the School’s dedicated and dynamic Principal that seed in each student’s Lina Arslanian, accompanied by three students, gave an update heart, so the children will on the School’s successes and achievements. Principal Arslanian grow and become leaders commended the support and love of the members of the Women’s of their community. And the Auxiliary to Merdinian School and expressed her “gratitude for most important thing we are an amazing celebration luncheon on this special anniversary and planting in each little heart, heartfelt congratulations to the honoree, Suzie Phillips, a founding is the Word of God for it Honoree Suzie Phillips with her hus- member!” The three students then expressed their utmost pride to be will stay with them forever.” band George R. Phillips, Esq. at Merdinian, where they pursue excellence not only in academics, With their love, dedica- but in learning about their Armenian Christian heritage. tion and effort, Mrs. Phillips and her husband George R. Phillips Following lunch, the Hamazkayin Niari Dance Group, under have been a blessing to the School since its formative days. They the direction of Catherine Hairabedian, entertained the guests with have indeed heeded God’s word; “Each of you should use whatever several authentic Armenian dances, which were received with much gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s enthusiasm. grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 Dina Tilkian Phillips, the Auxiliary’s first Chairperson, reflected Established in 1982, the C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangeli- on the formation and early days of the Auxiliary, when a group of cal School is the only Armenian Evangelical School in the United dedicated women from the greater Los Angeles area came together States. The School offers a broad-based curriculum that fosters as a support group to help the School both financially and morally. academic excellence, high moral values, and spiritual enrichment She then introduced honoree Suzie Phillips, who graciously hosted in the Armenian Evangelical tradition. The School strives to cre- the first meeting of the newly formed Auxiliary group 20 years ago. ate a safe and nurturing environment where every student receives Describing Mrs. Phillips, she said: “Most importantly, Suzie loves personal attention to become a successful and responsible indi- the Lord and has a heart of service and a spirit of generosity to vidual. For more information you may contact Principal Arslanian help others, and this has been a shining example to all her family.” at 818.907.8149. q Ani Hanessian and Louisa Janbazian, current Co-Chairs of the Merdinian Auxiliary, invited Mrs. Phillips to the podium. As a token of appreciation, they presented her with a framed page from the 1998 Merdinian School Yearbook showing two group photos from the Auxiliary’s first year and the following words, describ- ing the formation of the Women’s Auxiliary: In May 1997, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School was formed. The purpose of the Auxiliary is to support Armenian Evangelical Education, promote interest in the Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, further the mission of the School and render financial support, in all cooperating with the Principal and the Board of Directors. The Auxiliary is an affiliate of the Armenian Missionary Association of America. The first meeting of the newly formed Women’s Auxiliary was held at the home of Suzie Phillips in the presence of the late Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian, Executive Director of the AMAA. Merdinian School Women's Auxiliary.

30 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Armenian Missionary Association of Canada Celebrates the 172nd Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church

embers of the congregations of four Armenian Evangelical Rev. Hovhannes Svadjian, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Founding Member Churches of the Armenian Missionary Church of Montreal in Laval, QC, preached in Armenian, Rev. MAssociation of Canada met in Kingston, Ontario on Shant Barsoumian, acting East Coast Youth Leader, gave the Saturday, September 15 for a Day Retreat of fellowship and fun English sermon. We were very happy that this year there were quite and to celebrate the 172nd Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical a noticeable number of youth participating in the event. Church. The Armenian Evangelical Movement was established as Everyone posed for a group picture after the morning session a church in Istanbul, Turkey in 1846. which was followed by a lunch of Lahmajoun and Chee Keofte. Buses left early in the morning on September 15 from Toronto As with the feeding of the fi ve thousand, there were baskets of and Montreal, bringing church members to Bay Park Baptist Church leftovers. where the celebration was held. There was a two-hour free period for the participants. Many The program began with a worship service, led by Raffi chose to go sightseeing in Kingston City on the buses, while the Shnorhokian and the worship team of the First Armenian Evangelical AMAC Board of Directors held its Business Meeting. Church of Montreal. The youth had their session with Rev. Barsoumian in the Mihran Jizmejian, President of the Association, welcomed the afternoon. The closing session of the Retreat was a Communion participants and introduced the program to more than 130 people Service led by Rev. Georges Dabbo, Pastor of the First Armenian who had come from the Armenian Evangelical Church of Cambridge, Evangelical Church of Montreal, QC, with assistance from the Ontario, the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto in Markham, elders of the four churches. Ontario, the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal, QC and A great thank you to the organizers of this event, and with the Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal in Laval, QC. thankful hearts we praise God for a blessed day. q

Rev. Manjelikian Named Pastor Emeritus of the Armenian Evangelical Church, Cranston, RI With much love and aff ection, the Armenian Evangelical Church of Cranston, Rhode Island announces that Rev. Hagop Manjelikian has been named Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Manjelikian came to the Rhode Island Church in 1998 and served the Church faithfully and steadfastly while attending Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Newton, MA. After almost 5 years of studying and pastoring the Church, Badveli was ordained and began his new life as an ordained Minister. Unfortunately, Badveli Hagop had a severe stroke, and began a new life of relentless rehabilitation. His struggle was a powerful witness to God’s grace and Badveli’s strong will to overcome the grim prognosis which the doctors gave him. Rev. Manjelikian has never given up, and has continued to serve the Lord, visiting members of the community with a message of God’s grace and faithfulness, teaching the young people, repre- senting the Armenian Evangelical Church in the community and preaching. The Armenian Evangelical Church of Cranston is grateful to Badveli Hagop for his service as a leader in their Church, then and now, and for his powerful witness. His service will continue as he assists the current Pastor by visiting, preaching and representing the congregation in the community. q

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 31 AMAA Sundays

AMAA Sundays Celebrated in AEUNA Churches

uring the month of October 2018, AMAA West Coast Executive Director Levon Filian and AMAA's Armenia DRepresentative Harout Nercessian visited four churches within the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA) to celebrate AMAA Sunday. Mr. Filian visited the Immanuel Armenian Congregational Church of Downey, CA on Sunday, October 14 and First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno, CA on Sunday November 3. Mr. Nercessian visited the "Christian Outreach to Armenians" Church in Glendale, CA on Sunday October 21, and the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Sunday October 28. During their AMAA Sunday visits Mr. Filian and Mr. Nercessian preached from the pulpits the Word of God and made presentations about the AMAA’s ministries around the world. Our thanks to the pastors, councils and the congregations AMAA West Coast Executive Director Levon Filian with some of the of the churches for their partnership and ongoing support and members of the Immanuel Armenian Congregational Church of encouragement for the Mission and Outreach of the AMAA. q Downey, CA.

AMAA West Coast Executive Director at the First AMAA Armenia Representative Harout AMAA Armenia Representative Harout Nercessian at the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno, CA Nercessian at the Christian Outreach to Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, ON, Canada. Armenians Church in Glendale, CA.

Մերտինեան Վարժարանի Հիւրերը

Հոկտեմբեր 15-ի Մերտինեան Հայ Աւետարանական Վարժարանի Մշակութային Օրուան Հանդիսութեան հիւրերն էին Հիւսիսային Ամերիկայի Արեւմտեան Թեմի առաջնորդ՝ Բարեշնորհ Տէր Յովնան Արք. Տէրտէրեան, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան Գործադիր Տնօրէն՝ Զաւէն Խանճեան, եւ Փասատինայի Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի Հովիւ՝ Վեր. Սերոբ Մկրտիչեան։ Հիւրերը իրենց աղօթքով եւ խօսքերով մասնակից դարձան օրուան յայտագիրին։ Պրն. Խանճեան իր խօսքին մէջ յիշեց դպրոցի բարերարներ՝ Շարլոթ եւ Էլիզ Մերտինեանները, ինչպէս նաեւ Հայաստանի հիւր հովիւները Մերտինեան Աւետարանչականի բարենպաստ դերը ի նպաստ Մերտինեան Վարժարանին։ Վարժարանին մէջ։ Հոկտեմբեր ամսուն Մերտինեան Վարժարան այցելեցին նաեւ Հայաստանէն, Աւստրալիայէն եւ Հալէպէն Հայ Աւետարանական Հովիւներ, որոնք Լոս Անճելոս կը գտնուէին Աւետարանչականի Տարեկան Ժողովին առիթով, եւ մասնակցեցան Վարժարանի առաւօտեան Պաշտամունքին։

Աւետարանչականի Գործադիր Տնօրէն Զաւէն Խանճեան (ձախէն հինգերորդ), Յովհան Արք. Տէրտէրեան (կեդրոն), Վեր. Սերոբ Մկրտիչեան (աջէն երրորդ) եւ Վեր. Գրիգոր Եումշաճըգեան՝ Աւստրալ- Տնօրէնուհի Լինա Արսլանեան (աջէն իայէն (ձախէն երկրորդ) եւ Վեր. երկրորդ) դպրոցի հոգաբարձութեան Յարութիւն Սէլիմեան՝ Հալէպէն (ձախէն անդամներու հետ։ երրորդ) Մերտինեան Վարժարանին մէջ։

32 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Fa\;rhn Bavin

Պաշտօնակոչութեան Պաշտամունք Վեր Սերոբ Ճ. Մկրտիչեանի

իրակի, 21 Հոկտեմբեր 2018-ի յետմիջօրէի ժամը 5-ին, Հիւսիսային Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանական ԿՄիութեան հովանաւորութեամբ, Փասատինայի Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիին մէջ տեղի ունեցաւ Վեր. Սերոբ Ճ. Մկրտիչեանի Պաշտօնակոչութեան Պաշտամունքը, որպէս սոյն Եկեղեցիի Աւագ Հովիւ։ Պաշտամունքին ներկայ էին Համաշխարհային Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիներու Հոգեւոր Հովիւներ (Քսանէ աւելի), Քոյր Յարանուանութիւններու, Հայ եւ օտար կազմակերպութիւններու ներկայացուցիչներ եւ հոծ բազմութիւն մը որ լեցուցած էր Եկեղեցին եւ Եկեղեցիի կից Տէրեան սրահը։ Բոլոր ներկայ հովիւները իրենց բաժինը բերին Պաշտօնակոչութեան Պաշտամունքին պատգամով, յորդորներով, աղօթքով, Սուրբ Գիրքի ընթերցանութեամբ Տէրեան սրահէն ներս, տեղի ունեցաւ շնորհաւորութիւն եւ եւ շնորհաւորական ու ողջոյնի խօսքերով։ հիւրասիրութիւն։ Պաշտամունքը վերջացաւ Եկեղեցւոյ Աւագ Հովիւ՝ Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական Եկեղեցին հիմնուած Վեր. Սերոբ Մկրտիչեանի երախտագիտական խօսքով եւ է 1922-ին եւ Փասատինայի առաջին Հայ Եկեղեցին է, Օրհնութեան Աղօթքով։ որ Աստուծոյ շնորհքով կանգուն մնացած է 96 երկար Պաշտամունքէն ետք, Եկեղեցւոյ Հէնրի եւ Անայիս տարիներէ ի վեր։

Փասատինայի Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի 96-ամեայ Տարեդարձ եւ Բանաստեղծ Ժագ Յակոբեանի 101-ամեակ

AMAA Armenia Representative Harout Nercessian at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, ON, Canada. իրակի, 27 Հոկտեմբեր 2018-ի երեկոյեան ժամը 7:00–ին, 200-է աւելի հիւրեր համախմբուած էին ԿՓասատինայի Հայ Կիլիկիա Աւետարանական եկեղեցիի Հէնրի եւ Անայիս Տէրեան սրահէն ներս, տօնելու Եկեղեցիի 96-րդ տարեդարձը, միեւնոյն ժամանակ պատուելու Բանաստեղծ Ժագ Յակոբեանը, իր 101-րդ տարեդարձին առիթով։ Օրուան հանդիսավարն էր Իրաւաբան Դաւիթ Քալգինզ որ ձեռնհասօրէն վարեց օրուան յայտագիրը։ Բացման աղօթքը կատարեց՝ Վեր. Գեւորգ Թէրեան։ Գեղարուեստական յայտագրին բաժին բերին՝ Պատուելի Յարութ Խաչատուրեան, հոգեշունչ՝ հոգեւոր եւ Հայաստանի հիւր հովիւները Մերտինեան հայրենասիրական երգերով եւ դաշնամուրի վրայ նուագով Վարժարանին մէջ։ եւ Բժշկհ. Ալինա Մկրտիչեան Ժագ Յակոբեանի «Երբ Կը խօսք առնելով անդրադարձան նուիրեալ բանաստեղծին Մտնես Եկեղեցի» բանաստեղծութեան ասմունքով։ ստեղծագործութիւններուն եւ ծառայութեան եւ պար- Օրուան բանախօսն էր՝ Կլէնտէյլի քաղաքապետ՝ Զարէհ գեւատրեցին 101 ամեայ բանաստեղծը Հայ Կիլիկիա Սինանեան։ Ան անդրադարձաւ Հայ համայնքի ներդրումի Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի «Հայկական Խաչ» Յուշա- կարեւորութեան Գալիֆօրնիոյ մէջ եւ Հայաստանի ներկայ նուէրով։ Ապա Կլէնտէյլի Քաղաքապետի Պատւոյ Գիրը իրադարձութիւններուն մասին։ յանձնուեցաւ վաստակաշատ բանաստեղծին։ Եկեղեցւոյ Վարչութեան Ատենապետ՝ Արա Հուսկ, 101-ամեայ բանաստեղծը յուզումով իր Ասիլեան ներկայացուց բանաստեղծ Ժագ Յակոբեանի շնորհակալական խօսքը ուղղեց նախ Աստուծոյ եւ ապա նուիրական ծառայութիւնը Հայ ազգին իր Քրիստոսաշունչ Եկեղեցիին ու ներկաներուն եւ խիզախօրէն արտասանեց եւ Հայրենասիրական բանաստեղծութիւններով։ իր «Սուրբ Գիրքը Թող Բաց Մնայ» բանաստեղծութիւնը։ Եկեղեցւոյ Աւագ Հովիւը՝ Վեր. Սերոբ Մկրտիչեան եւ Ճաշկերոյթը իր աւարտին հասաւ ներկաներու Հիւսիսային Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանական Միութեան Փառաբանութեան երգով եւ Վեր. Սերոբ Մկրտիչեանի Հովուապետ՝ Վեր. Պերճ Ճամպազեան յաջորդաբար օրհնութեան աղօթքով։

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 33 Աւետարանչականը Անցեալը, Ներկան եւ Ապագան

W;r1 F;nrik

34 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 րակութեան աշխատանքերի մէջ: Ներկայում այն կարող մեզնից խնդրողի ակնկալածը տալ, բայց սիրով հովանաւորում է 24 տարբեր երկրներում տարածուած տալու ենք այն որ կարող ենք որ նա եւս կարիք ունի, թէեւ մօտաւորապէս 150 եկեղեցիներ: իր ակնկալածը տարբեր բան է: Յովհաննէս եւ Պետրոս Աւետարանական համայնքների մէջ միշտ էլ նիւթական օժանդակութիւն ուզող կաղին բուժում շնորհեցին, մեծ կաեւորութիւն է տրուել կրթութեան եւ հէնց այդ որովհետեւ նիւթական կարելիութիւններ չունէին (Գործք պատճառով եկեղեցու հիմնադրման հետ միասին յաճախ Առաքելոց 3:1-10): հիմնուել են կրթական օջախներ, որոնց հիմնադրման եւ Երբեմն բողոք կայ թէ ինչու յատուկ ծրագրի համար աշխատանքների շարունակութեան մէջ մեծ ներդրում է մեծ գումար է նախատեսւում եւ ուրիշ ծրագրի համար ոչ: ունեցել Աւետարանչականը: Ամառնային համագումարներն Դրա պատասխանը յաճախ այն է որ այս ծրագրի համար ու Երիտասարդների բազմակողմանի զարգացման ծրագրերը նուիրատուութիւնը աւելի շատ է միւսի համեմատութեամբ: Աւետարանչականի ղեկավար կազմի եւ հովանաւորների Երբեմն մեր անցեալի անձնական կամ ընտանեկան փոր- սրտին մօտ ծրագրերից են եւ եղել: Վերջին տասնամեակներին ձառութիւնը կամ վիճակը պատճառ է դառնում որ յատուկ աւելի են ընդլայնուել նման աշխատանքները: կարիքի նկատմամբ աւելի զգայուն դառնանք: Հէնց այդ պատ- Մինչ Աւետարանչականը բոլորում է իր ծառայութեան ճառով շատեր աւելի պատրաստ են «իրենց սիրտին խօսող» առաջին հարիւր տարին, անցեալի յաջողութիւնները, մի կարիք յագեցնելու համար մեծ ներդրում կատարել կամ հանրութեան մէջ ձեռք բերած վստահութիւնը եւ աղբիւրների այդ ուղղութեամբ գործօն մասնակցութիւն բերել, բայց ուրիշ բարի ու հաւատարիմ տնտեսութեան պատճառով կարիքի նկատմամբ անտարբեր լինել: Համոզուած եմ որ թէ առաջացած նպաստաւոր նիւթական վիճակը մեծ ապագայ են հովիւները եւ թէ Աւետարանչականի պատասխանատուները խոստանում եւ նոյն ժամանակ ներկայ ղեկավարութեանը մեծ քարոզչական մեծ աշխատանք պէտք է տանեն ժողովրդի մէջ պատասխանանտուութեան առջեւ դնում ոչ միայն գործը նոյն փափաք եւ հետաքրքրութիւն ստեղծելու բազմազան կարիք- թափով շարունակելու, այլ ներկայ դարի կարելիութիւններն րիքների եւ ծառայութիւնների նկատմամբ: Այն ժամանակ է ու կարիքները նկատի ունենալով նոր տեսիլքներ հետապնդէ որ անդամները եւ հովանաւորները զանազան ծրագրերի իրա- այս Աստւածակոչ եւ Աստուածահաճոյ առաքելութեան մէջ: կանացման համար պէտք եղած աղբիւրներ ու կարելիութիւն- Ընկերակցութեան ներկայի յաջող պայմանները պատճառ ներ են տրամադրելու: Աղօթքս է որ մեր նուիրատւութիւների են դարձել որ Աւետարանչականի հովանաւորութիւնները եւ ծառայութիւնների առաջին շարժառիթը լինի ուրիշի վայելող եկեղեցիները, հաստատութիւնները նաեւ կարիքը հագեցնելը եւ Աստծու անունի փառաւորուելը: Աւետարանական հովիւները բազմազան ակնկալիքներ Չեմ կարող այս տողերը իր աւարտին հասցնել առանց ունենան Աւետարանչականից: Սա առանց կասկածի մեծ իմ անձնական երախտիքը յայտնելու Աւետարանչականին պատասխանատուութիւն է առաջ բերում Ընկերակցութեան եւ նրա անցեալի եւ ներկայի ղեկաւարութեանը: Տարրական համար ներկայի եւ ապագայի ծրագրաւորումների գործում: եւ երկրոդական ուսումս ստացել եմ Թեհրանի Հայ Աղօթքս է որ Աստուած շարունակի օրհնել Աւետարանական Եկեղեցու Գոհար Մեսրոպեան դպրոցում, Աւետարանչականի պաշտօնեաներին ու ղեկավարներին որը հիմնուել ու հովանաւորուել ու հովանաւորւում է եւ նրանց իմաստութիւն շնորհի որպէսզի Յիսուսի գութով Աւետարանչականի միջոցով: Թէ Դպրոցում եւ թէ եկեղեցում լեցուած եւ Նրա օրինակին հետեւելով շարունակեն իրենց սրտումս սերմանուել է հաւատքի սերմերը: Կնոջս, Մարիէթի աստուածահաճոյ ծառայութիւնը: Հետեւեալ համարները եւ հետ միասին Աւետարանչականի եւ Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Հայ մտքերը օգնել են ինձ կարիքի մէջ լինող մարդկանց օգնելու Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիների Միութեան նիւթական ու գործում, եւ աղօթքս է որ կարդացողի համար եւս օգտակար բարոյական հովանաւորութեամբ կարողացել ենք ստանալ լինեն: Աստուածաբանական ուսում եւ պատրաստուել ծառայութեան Մատթէոսի Աւետարանին մէջ կարդում ենք որ Յիսուս համար: Զաւակս Աննան վայելել է Աւետարանչականի ման էր գալիս նրանց քաղաքներում, եւ շատ ժողովուրդ նիւթական հովանաւորութիւնը իր բարձրագոյն ուսման տեսնելով գթաց նրանց վրայ, որ յոգնած եւ ցիրուցան եղած տարիներին: Ներկայում իմ ծառայած եկեղեցիներից մէկում էին եւ սկսեց շատ բաներ սովորեցնել նրանց, բժշկեց նրանց վայելում ենք Աւետարանչականի եւ Հիւսիսային Ամերիկայի հիւանդներին, եւ ապա կերակրեց մի մեծ բազմութիւն հինգ Հայ Աւետարանական Միութեան հովանաւորութիւնը Հայոց հացով եւ երկու ձուկով (Մատթէոս 14:14-21, 9:35-36, Մարկոս Լեզուի դասաւանդման ծրագրի համար: Աւետարանչականը 6:34-35): մեծ դեր է ունեցել մեր ընտանիքի անդամների հաւատքի Յիսուս տեսաւ մարդկանց կարիքը, հոգեւորը եւ եւ մտքի զարգացման մէջ, որի համար փառք եմ տալիս ֆիզիքականը, գթաց նրանց վրայ եւ պատասխանեց ըստ Աստծուն եւ շնորհակալ եմ Աւետարանչականից: Աղօթքս է նրանց կարիքի: Աւետարանների մէջ շատ յստակ է որ որ Աւետարանչականի հովանաւորութիւնները վայելած շատ Քրիստոսի առաջնահերթութիւնը այն էր որ մարդիկ Աստծուն ուրիշներ իրենց ներդրումներով ու ծառայութիւնով իրենց ճանաչեն եւ նրա հետ յարաբերութեան մէջ մտնեն, նրա սէրը մասնակցութիւնը բերեն Աւետարանչականի առաքելութիւնը վայելեն ու նրան հետեւեն: Բայց դա երբեք չի նչանակում շարունակելու եւ ընդարձակելու գործում: q որ դա անելու ենք ֆիզիքականը անտեսելով: Յակոբոս առաքեալը շատ պարզ կերպով մեզ յիշեցնում է որ աղօթելը եւ օգնութիւն ուզողի կարիքը անտեսելը բաւարար պատասխան * Վեր. Հէնրիկ Շահնազարեան հովիւն է Կլէնտէյլի չէ եւ օգնութեան համար մեզի դիմած եղբօրը կամ քրոջը (Քալիֆորնիա) Հայ Աւետարանական Սուրբ Երրորդութիւն կարիքը այդպիսով չի յագեցուի (Յակոբոս 2: 14-17): Եկեղեցիի եւ Ժամանակաւոր Հովիւ՝ Լոս Անճելոսի Միացեալ Երբեմն մեր աղբիւրները սահմանափակ են եւ չենք Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի։

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 35 Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան Գործադիր Տնօրէն Զաւէն Խանճեանի Խօսքը Սեպտեմբեր 29, 2018-ին Երեւանի մէջ կայացող Աւետարանչականի 100-ամեակի Հացկերոյթին

«Սերմանո՜ղն է: - Յաղթահասակ կը կանգնի»

Հարիւր տարիներ առաջ, 1918-ին, հոյլ մը հայորդիներ, գիտակից հայ ժողովուրդի յետ Եղեռնեան անմորմոք ցաւին եւ կսկիծին եւ անսալով Աւետարանի սրբազան պատգամին ծնունդ տուին Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան: Մնացեալը պատմութեան կը պատկանի եւ անոր վկայութիւնն է: «Լի է ամբողջ ցորեններով աստղահատ Խորունկ գոգնոցն:»

Յետ Եղեռնեան Միջին Արեւելքի ասպնջական երկիրներէն մինչեւ Եւրոպան եւ Ամերիկաները կայք հաստատող եւ վերջապէս Հայաստանի եւ Արցախի հեռաւոր սահմաններուն մէջ ապրող հայ ժողովուրդի հոգեւոր, իմացական եւ ֆիզիքական բարօրութիւնը նպատակ ունենալով, Աւետարանչականը լուռ եւ անտրտունջ ծառայեց հայ ժողովուրդին: «Մըշա՛կ ցանէ.- յանուն տանըդ սեղանին Թեւիդ շարժումն անպարագի՛ծ թող ըլլայ.»

Անխարդախ սիրով եւ համապարփակ ոգիով Աւետարանչականը իր հոգածութեան հովանին տարածեց այրիացած մօր, որբացած որդւոյն, անտէր մանուկին, հիւանդ պատանիին, անղէկ երիտասարդին, կրթութիւն եւ գիտութիւն տենջացող ուսանողին: Անոր ուշադրութեան առարկայ դարձաւ ցեղասպանութենէն ճողոպրած հայրենակորուստ զանգուածներէն մինչեւ Միջին Արեւելքի արդի պատմութեան աղետաhար հայութիւնը, անկախ հայրենիքի քաղաքացին, սահմանամերձ հայ գիւղը եւ գիւղացին, բանակն ու զինծառայողը, վիրաւորն ու հիւանդանոցը, նահատակ հերոսի ծնողն ու զաւակները, բոլորին առողջութիւնը, կենսամակարդակը, ուսումն ու զարգացումը: «Մըշա՛կ, ցանէ՛.- յանուն նոթի թշուարին Թող գոգնոցէդ կէս չելլէ ափըդ բնաւ.»

Աւետարանչականը, դարաւոր Մայր Եկեղեցիի սրբազան առաքելութեան կողքին խիզախօրէն տարածեց Աստուծոյ խօսքը, բաժնեց Քրիստոսի բարի լուրը եւ հաւատքի ակունքներուն առաջնորդեց հայ անհատը: «Մըշա՛կ ցանէ՛.- յանուն Տիրոջ նըշխարին Թող մատներէդ յորդի սերմեր լուսեղէն. Վաղը ամէն մէկ հասկի մէջ կաթնային Պիտ՛ հասուննայ մաս մ›Յիսուսի մարմինէն:»

Աւետարանչականի տեսիլքը հայ քաղաքացիի էութեան կոբումին մէջ կ՛ընդգրկէ՝ խարսխուած ուղղամտութիւն, վերահա՛ս՝ անխարդախ բարոյականութեան եւ անբասիր նկարագրի, ջատագով՝ ընկերային արդարութեան, խղճի, խօսքի եւ արտայայտուելու ազատութեան: Քաղաքացի՝ որ կը ներբողէ կամաւոր ծառայութիւնը, կը յարգէ մարդկային իրաւունքները եւ պատրաստ է զոհուելու հայրենիքի համար: Քաղաքացի՝ որ կը սիրէ Ստեղծիչը եւ կը ցոլացնէ անոր սէրը իր չորսդին: «Ցանէ՛, ցանէ՛,.- նոյնիսկ հեռու սահմանէն,»

Աւետարաչականը ցանե՛ց՝ առանց խտրութեան, ցանե՛ց՝ հայ ժողովուրդի հանդերու բոլոր ակոսներուն մէջ, ցանե՛ց՝ անպարագիծ եւ առատ: Աւետարանչականը՝ ցանե՛ց առանց ակնկալութեան, առանց փոխադարձ պահանջքի, առան՛ց ծափահարութեան տենչանքին: Ցանե՛ց՝ «հաց ձգ՛է ջրոց երեսը Մի կարծեր թէ կ’ընկղմի» տրամաբանութեամբ:

Այսօր, Աւետարանչականի անխախտ համոզումն է թէ մեր հաւաքական տեսիլքին մէջ կանգուն, հզօր եւ գերիշխան պէտք է մնայ պատմական մեր դարաւոր հայրենիքի մնացորդաց այս սուրբ նշխար հայրենի հողը, որու վրայ կ'ապրի յաւերժական մեր ժողովուրդը: Մեր հաւաքական յանձնառութիւնը պիտի մնայ հաւատքի, ստեղծագործութեան, գիտութեան եւ քաղաքակրթութեան փարոս մը դարձնել այս հայրենիքը որու լուասաւոր ջահը պէտք է երկարի

36 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 շրջապատի լայնածաւալ խաւարին մէջ, արդարացնելով մեր ստեղծման եւ գոյութեան Աստուածային առաքելութիւնը: Ահ՛ա, Աւետարանչականի երկրորդ հարիւրամեակի սիրոյ, ծառայութեան եւ հաւատքի գոյապատճառը:

Աւետարանչականը՝ Սերմանո՜ղն է: - Յաղթահասակ կը կանգնի

Եկեք անմահն Վարուժանի հետ երկնենք.

«Լեցո՛ւր ակոսն, հորդէ՛ հերկերը բերրի (Հայրենիքի) Հողին ծոցէն ոսկի լոյսեր թող հոսին:»

Եկեք ցանե՛նք միասին:

Սեպտեմբեր 29, 2018-ին Երեւանի մէջ կայացող Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան 100-ամեակի Հացկերոյթի Հանդիսավար Սոնա Խանճեանի Բարի Գալուստի Խօսքը

Կը փոխուին դերակատարները Կը փոխուին դէմքերը Կը փոխուին անունները Բայց ոգին՝ նոյնն է Անխոնջ, ժրաջան, անդուլ Եւ ոգին հոն է, ամէն ուր՝ որ պէտք է ըլլայ Եւ ոգին կը սաւառնի, ճախրանքով մը յառաջանալով պատմութեան ընդմէջէն Զսպանակուած՝ Վարդանի հաւատքով Սպառազինուած՝ Մեսրոպեան շունջով Վերանորոգուած՝ Սարտարապատով Եւ արձակուած դարերու ընդմէջէն

Աւետարանչականը կռուան մըն է այդ ոգիի սլացքի անսահման ճանապարհին Եւ անոր ծառայողներն ու սատարողները՝ այն լուսաշող ըղձանոյշներն՝ որոնց թեւերուն վրայ հանգչած կը ճեղքէ ժամանակներու տարածքը՝ փոխանցուելով սերունդէ սերունդ

Այսօր՝, մենք կը շնջենք զայն, կը պարուրուինք, Կը սփոփուինք, կը ներշնչուինք եւ կ՛արբենանք իրմով Անգամ մը ե՛ւս:

Եւ ահաւասիկ հոս ենք բոլորով՝ Ամերիկա, Միջին Արեւելք, Եւրոպա. Հոս՛, հայրենիքի հողին վրայ, որու պատմական տարածքէն մէծ մաս մը անիրաւօրէն խլուած ըլլալուն, ուրկէ անմարդկայնօրէն բռնի տեղահանուած ըլլալնուս, որբ եւ անտուն, հացի կարօտ մեր վիճակը՝ ծնունդ տուած էր Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան: Այս պատմական անկիւնադարձային պահուն՝ հոս ըլլալը անսահման ուրախութիւն է ինծի համար, ըլլալով զաւակը հայ Աւետարանական հօր մը որ իր Աստուածատուր բազմաթիւ շնորհքները ի սպաս դրած էր ազգին, եկեղեցիին, եւ Աւետարանչականի ծառայութեան: Պատանի հասակիս ծանօթացած եւ գնահատած էի Աւետարանչականի աշխատանքները: Այսօր կապրիմ եւ կը շնչեմ Աւետարանչականի առօրեան ու ապագայի ծրագիրները կողակից ունենալով Զաւէն Խանճեանը: Անսահման ուրախութիւն է կանգնիլ ձեր դիմաց, բարի գալուստ մաղթել եւ հրաւիրել ձեզ միասին տօնախմբելու Աւետարանչականի հարիւրամեայ անզուգական ծառայութիւնը:

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 37 1OOՏԱՐԻՆԵՐՈՒ ԾԱՌԱՅՈՒԹԻՒՆ Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւն Հաւատքի, Սիրոյ եւ Ծառայութեան Հարիւրամեայ Աւանդ

Վեր. Դոկտ. Ժան Խանճեան* Դ. Մաս ըսաւ «…նրանց անմոռանալի երախտագիտական գործը, Կրթական Ասպարէզ մասնաւորաբար արեւմտեան Հայաստանի եւ նաեւ, որոշ Հայ Աւետարանականներ միշտ եղած են ջատագով չափով, արեւելեան կողմի մեր Հայութեան դաստիարակչական, կրթութեան։ Այս պատճառով անոնք ուսումնական ռահվիրայ դպրոցական, կրթական մարզում։ Ես գիտեմ ինչու եմ ասում, եղած են դպրոցներ բանալով՝ եկեղեցիներու կողքին։ որովհետեւ բազմաթիւ դպրոցներ են բացուել եւ գիտութեան Ցեղասպանութենէն մազապուրծներ՝ ապաստան գտան լոյսը առաւել չափով է տարածուել մեր ժողովուրդի մէջ Հայ 8 վրաններու եւ թիթեղեայ խրճիթներու մէջ եւ դպրոցներ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի յստակ գործունէութեամբ։» բացին վրաններու տակ եւ տախտակէ հիւղակներու մէջ։ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւնը կենսական դեր Աշակերտները գետնին վրայ կը նստէին վարագոյրով ունեցաւ Հայ Աւետարանական կրթական ցանցէն ներս՝ բաժնուած դասարաններու մէջ։ Որքան որ կը յիշեմ Հալէպի հաւաքելով նուիրատուութիւննր, ապահովելով կալուածներ, Հայ Աւետարանական համայնքը աւելի դպրոցներ ունէր քան շինելով դպրոցական շէնքեր, հայթայթելով կրթական նպաստ եւ միւս համայքները։ Օրինակ՝ Հալէպի համեստ Շէյխ Մաքսուտի շտապ օգնութեան հասնելով Միջին Արեւելքի պատերազմներու ու Տավուտիէի շրջաններուն մէջ կային Հայ Աւետարանական պատճառաւ ստեղծուած ճգնաժամերուն։ Ներկայիս շուրջ նախակրթարաններ՝ 1940-ական թուականներուն։ Կարգ մը 1000 աշակերտներ կրթական նպաստ կը ստանան, ինչպէս դպրոցներ կէսօրուան տաք ճաշ կը մատուցանէին աղքատ նաեւ 150 գոլէճականներ։ Հետեւեալ տողերով կը ներկայացուի աշակերտներուն, որոնցմէ մէկն ալ ես էի։ Ժամանակի դպրոցներու համառօտ պատկերը։ բոլորումով այս նախակրթարաններէն ոմանք աւելցուցին Հայաստան օժտուած է արդիական կրթական հաս- երկրորդական բաժիններ, եւ նոյնիսկ Պէյրութի մէջ հիմնուեցաւ տատութեամբ մը՝ Խորէն եւ Շուշանիկ Աւետիսեան Վար- Հայկազեան Գոլէճը (այժմ Համալսարան)։ Այս դպրոցները կը ժարանը եւ Համայնքային Կեդրոնը, որ 500 աշակերտ ծառայեն ազգի բոլոր զաւակներուն՝ անխտրաբար։ Անոնք ընդունելու կարողութիւնը ունի։ արտադրեցին կրթեալ եւ ուսեալ դասակարգ մը, որոնք Յունաստան ունի մանկապարտէզ մը Գոգգինիայի կերտեցին յաջող ապագայ մը իրենց նախընտրած մարզին եկեղեցիի հարկին տակ։ մէջ ու հպարտութեամբ ինքզինքնին կը ներկայացնեն որպէս Պարսկաստան՝ որ հին գաղութ մը եղած է, ունի Գոհար Բեթէլցի, Էմմանուէլցի կամ Կեդրոնական Վարժարանէն կամ Մեսրոպեան Վարժարանը։ Քաղաքի Հայ Սքուլէն շրջանաւարտ։ Արցախ ունի երիտասարդ բնակչութիւն մը, որոնց 7 Յուլիս 1996-ին՝ երբ Երեւանի մէջ տօնուեցաւ Հայ օգնութեան համար Աւետարանչականը հիմնած է չորս Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի հիմնադրութեան 150-ամեակը, մանկապարտէզներ.- Ստեփանակերտի մէջ՝ Պաղտիկեան Ամենայն Հայոց Կաթողիկոս Գարեգին Ա. իր խօսքին մէջ Մանկապարտէզ՝ հիմնուած 2001-ին, Շուշիի մէջ՝ Պիլէզիքեան Մանակապարտէզ՝ հիմնուած 2001-ին, Մարտակերտի մէջ՝ Մ. Պ. Ճանպազեան Մանկապարտէզ՝ հիմնուած 2003-ին եւ Ասկերանի Մանկապարտէզ՝ հիմնուած 2003-ին։ Լիբանան եղած է հարուստ թէ եկեղեցիներով եւ թէ ՆՍՕՏՏ Գարեգին Ա. դպրոցներով, սակայն Լիբանանի 16-ամեայ քաղաքացիական Ամենայն Հայոց կաթողիկոս պատերազմը մեծ վնասներ հասցուց դպրոցներուն։ Յետ Հայ Աւետարանական պատերազմին՝ 1995-ին վերաշինութիւնը սկսաւ Աւե- Եկեղեցիներու հիմնադ- տարանչականի օգնութեամբ ու առաջնորդութեամբ, քանի րութեան 150-ամեակի որ Լիբանանի մէջ Հայ Աւետարանական հասարակութիւնը հանդիսութեան, չգացած ու անկարողութեան մատնուած էր։ Ներկայիս Երեւանի մէջ։ բոլոր դպրոցները նորոգուած ու բարեփոխուած են, սակայն

38 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 կեանքի սղութեան պատճառով աշակերտները կրթական շատ բեղուն գործունէութիւններ ունի կազմակերպելով մեծ նպաստի կարիքը ունին։ Հայկազեան Գոլէճը հիմնուեցաւ միջազգային համագումարներ սփիւրքահայութեան շուրջ, 1955-ին Ստեփան եւ Մարի Մեխակեաններու 25,000 տոլարի հրատարակելով գիրքեր Համալսարանի տպարանէն եւայլն։ նուիրատուութեամբ՝ ի յիշտատակ Մարիի հօր՝ Տօքթ. Արմենակ Ցարդ Համալսարանը պարգեւած է 3860 Պսակաւոր (BA/ Հայկազեանի, Գոնիայի Ճէնանեան Վարժարանի Տնօրէնին, որ BBA/BS) տիտղոսներ եւ 178 Մաքիստրոս (MA/MBA) մահացաւ ցեղասպանութան ճամբուն վրայ։ Տիկին Ֆլորէնս տիտղոսներ։ Դոկտ. Հայտօսթեան իր խոհեմ, ատակ ու Կերթմէնեան Մեխակեան եւ Պր. Ստեփան Փիլիպոսեան նաեւ փորձառու անձնաւորութեամբ կը շարունակէ առաջնորդել մասնակցեցան հիմնադրամին։ Դոկտ. Ճան Մարգարեան եղաւ Համալսարանը։ Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Աստուածաբանական հիմնադիր Նախագահը եւ անմիջապէս ձեռնարկեց բարձրագոյն Ճեմարանը՝ շարունակութիւնը Թուրքիոյ մէջ խափանուած ուսման նոր օճախի մը կերտման՝ 43 աշակերտներով ու փոքր երեք ճեմարաններուն, հաստատուած է Պէյրութի մէջ 1932- պիւտճէով, բայց լեցուն հաւատքով ու խանդավառութեամբ։ ին։ Գործակցաբար Հայկազեան Համալսարանին հետ, Դոկտ. Մարգարեան ունեցաւ պաշտօնէութեան երկու հովիւներ եւ Քրիստոնեայ դաստիարակներ կը պատրաստէ։ շրջաններ, որոնց միջեւ ծառայեց Դոկտ. Ժիլպեր Պիլէզիքեան, Աւետարանչականը գործակցաբար միսիոնարական ու երեք որ երեք դժուարին տարիներ անցուց (1967-1971)։ Դոկտ. եկեղեցական մարմիններու հետ՝ նեցուկ կը կանգնի այս Մարգարեան սկսաւ տնօրէնութեան երկրորդ շրջանը 1971- հաստատութեան, որմէ օգտուած են Սփիւռքի եւ Հայաստանի Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիները։ Վերոյիշեալ բարձրագոյն կրթական հաստատութիւններէն զատ՝ Լիբանան ունի չորս երկրորդական վարժարաններ՝ Հայ Աւետարանական Գոլէճ, Կեդրոնական Բարձրագոյն Վարժարան, Նոր Մարաշի Շամլեան Թաթիկեան Վարժարան եւ Անճարի Հայ Աւետարանական Վարժարան օժտուած մանկապարտէզով ու նախակրթարանով, եւ մէկ միջնակարգ վարժարան՝ Նոր Ամանոսի Թորոսեան Վարժարանը, որոնք մեծ զոհողութեամբ հայեցի եւ Քրիստոնէական դաստիարակութիւն կը ջամբեն։ Սուրիա կը շարունակէ իր ողբերգական պատերազմը, որու պատճառաւ երկրին ժողովուրդը կը պարպուի։ Հալէպ ունէր հինգ Հայ Աւետարանական վարժարաններ եւ Հալէպ Աւետիսեան Դպրոցի հիմնադրութեան առաջին Գոլէճը, սակայն ներկայիս ունի միայն Բեթէլ Երկրորդական տարիներուն։ Վարժարանը, զոր կը պահուի մեծ զոհողութեամբ։ Բաց է նաեւ Սիրիանի Աւետարանական Վարժարանը։ Հալէպ Գոլէճի կալուածը բաժնուեցաւ Հայ Աւետարանական Համայնքի եւ ին, որու ընթացքին Լիբանանի պատերազմը սկսաւ եւ Արաբ Երիցական Սինոտի միջեւ, ուր նաեւ հաստատուած այդ օրերուն իր գրասենեակին վրայ ռումբ մը ինկաւ։ 1982 Էմմանուէլ նախակրթարանը։ Դամասկոսի մէջ կը շարունակուի տարեշրջանի վերջաւորութեան Դոկտ. Մարգարեան իր մէկ նախակրթարան դպրոց։ Քէսապի նախակրթարանը հրաժարականը տուաւ, որմէ ետք Դոկդ. Վըրն Ֆլէչըր՝ որ վնասուեցաւ, սակայն մեծ աշխատանքներով վերաբացուեցաւ Պէյրութի Աստուածաբանական Ճեմարանի ուսուցիչ էր, եւ կը շարունակէ իր ծառայութիւնը։ Հայկազեան Գոլէճի նախագահի պաշտօնը վարեց Յունիս 1982 – Թուրքիա ունի մէկ դպրոց՝ Հրանդ Տինգի անուամբ, Փետր. 1985։ Պատերազմը սաստկացաւ եւ Գոլէճը ստիպուեցաւ որ հիմնուած է 2003-ին Կէտիկ Փաշայի եկեղեցաշէնքին պարպել համալիրը ու փոխադրուիլ Պէյրութի Արեւելեան մէջ։ Բայց նախ քան այդ, 1950-ական թուականներուն շրջանը ու հաստատուիլ C.M.C. հիւանդանոցի նախկին շէնքին Պր. Հրանդ Կիւզէլեան յղացած էր Պոլսոյ Պատանեկան մէջ։ Աւագ Ուսուցչապետ Ուիլմա Չոլագեան, խիզախօրէն եւ Տունը հիմնելու գաղափարը, որ իրականացած էր Վեր. օգնութեամբ ուրիշներու դիմակայեց պատերազմի դժնդակ Բիւզանդ Գալֆայեանի քաջալերութեամբ եւ Վեր. Եդուարդ պայմանները եւ Գոլէճը բաց պահեց, զայն ղեկավարելով Թովմասեանի հետեւողական աշխատանքով ու անոր շուրջ 11 դժուարին տարիներ։ Վեր. Դոկտ. Ճան Խանճան թիկունք կանգնելով։ Այս տունը օգտակար եղաւ 1500-է աւելի Նախագահի պաշտօնը ստանձնեց 1 Օգոստ. 1995-ին ու պատանիներու փրկութեան։ ծառայեց մինչեւ 31 Օգոստ. 2002։ Երկիրը վերաշինութեան Ամերիկայի Միացեալ Նահանգներու մէջ Հայ Աւե- եւ յոյսի շրջան մը կ՚անցընէր։ Դոկտ. Խանճեան միացաւ այս տարանականներ տարիներով երազած են ունենալ դպրոց հաճելի ընթացքին Հայկազեան Գոլէճի հին համալիրի շէնքերը մը, որ վերջապէս իրականացաւ1980-ին, երբ Էլիզ եւ Շարլօթ նորոգելով, նոր կալուածներ աւելցնելով ու փոխադրելով Գոլէճը Մերիտնեան քոյրերը կոկիկ գումար մը նուիրեցին այս վերազարդարուած ու նորոգուած շէնքերու մէջ։ Ան վերամշակեց նպատակին համար։ Վարժարանը հաստատուեցաւ 1982- կրթական ծրագիրը ու գործընթացը։ Անոր ամենակարեւոր ին Քալիֆորնիայի Շըրմըն Օգս քաղաքին մէջ։ Մերտինեան յայտնաբերած փոփոխութիւնը եղաւ Գոլէճի անուանափոխումը՝ Հայ Աւետարանական Վարժարանը ունի մանկապարտէզէն Համալսարանի՝ 1997-ին։ Համալսարանը սկսաւ զարթնումի մինչեւ 8-րդ դասարան (Միջնակարգ) եւ ճանաչում կը վայելէ շրջան մը աշակերտներու ու կրթական ծրագիրներու աճումով։ վարկատու պաշտօնական մարմիններէն (WASC – Արեւմտեան 1 Սեպտ. 2002-էն սկսեալ Վեր. Դոկտ. Փոլ Հայտօսթեան Ընկերակցութիւն դպրոցներու եւ Գոլէճներու) իբրեւ որակ ու ստանձնեց Նախագահի պաշտօնը։ Սկսուած զարթնումը մակարդակ ունեցող հաստատութիւն։ շարունակեց մեծ նուաճումներով, ինչպէս հաստատումը Վերջաւորութեան նաեւ հարկ է յիշել, թէ իւրաքանչիւր Հայկական Սփիւռքի Ուսումնասիրութեան Կեդրոնին, որ եկեղեցի իր կողքին ունի Կիրակնօրեայ դպրոց, պատանեաց եւ

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 39 ընթացքին այս կեդրոնը տարբեր զինեալ խումբերու կողմէ գրաւուեցաւ եւ կործանուեցաւ։ Բայց վերջին քանի մը տարիներու ընթացքին, նորոգուած եւ գործածելի դարձած է շնորհիւ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան եւ ՔՋԱԿի բարեկամներու աշխատանքներուն։ Սուրիոյ ՔՋԱԿը որ վնասուած էր պատերազմի պատճառաւ, ներկայիս նորոգուած է եւ գործօն։ Միացեալ Նահանգներն ալ ունի երկու ճամբարներ՝ ԱՐԵՒԵԼՔ ճամբարը (վարձուած), որ կը գտնուի Արեւելեան ափին վրայ, իսկ երկրորդը ԱՐԵՒ ճամբարը, Քալիոֆորնիայի մէջ։ ԱՐԵՒ ճամբարը ընդարձակ վայր մըն է, որ կը գտնուի անտառներու հովիտի մը մէջ, Լոս Անճելոսէն մէկ ժամ հեռու։ Տարուան տարբեր եղանակներուն, եւ յատկապէս ամռան տարբեր տարիքի երեխաներու, պատանիներու, երիտասարդներու եւ այլ խմբակներու համար ճամբարներ կը կազմակերպուին այնտեղ։ Աւետարանչականը նաեւ կ՚օգնէ Պելճիքայի եւ Պուլկարիայի եկեղեցիներուն, կազմակերպելու Պէյրութի Հայ Աւետարանական Ա. Եկեղեցիի տարեկան ճամբարներ վարձուած վայրերու մէջ։ պատանիներ – 1962։ Մարդասիրական Օգնութիւն երիտասարդաց կազմակերպութիւններ որոնք Քրիստոնէական Այս եղած է Աւետարանչականի յատկանշական դաստիարակութիւն կը ջամբեն։ գործունէութիւնը՝ առաջին օրէն իսկ։ Անոր մարդասիրական օգնութիւնը սահմանուած չէ ազգային կամ կրօնական Երիտասարդաց Ծրագիրներ նկատումներով։ Երբ մարդկային աղէտներ պատահին՝ ան Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւնը միշտ թիկունք օգնութեան ձեռք կ՚երկարէ։ Հայ համայնքին ծառայութիւններ կանգնած ու քաջալերած է երիտասարդաց ծրագիրները, կը մատուցանէ՝ հասնելով հիւանդին, ծերին, որբին, քանի որ անկէ կախեալ է մասամբ մը եկեղեցիներուն ու որբեւայրիին, աղքատին, անկեալին եւ տեղահանուածին։ համայնքին ապագան։ Երիտասարդաց ծրագիրները տարբեր Այս աշխատանքները կը տարուին տեղական եկեղեցիներու տեսակի ու մակարդակի գործունէութիւններ ունին, որոնք եւ ընկերային ծառայութեան կեդրոններու միջոցով եւ կախեալ են անհատներու տարիքէն։ Անոնք կ՚ընդգրկեն Աւետարանչականին հերթական աջակցութեամբ։ Օրինակի Կիրակնօրեայ դպրոցները, Պատանեաց, Ջանից կամ համար, Աւետարանչականը դրամական նպաստ կու տայ Երիտասարդաց կազմակերպութիւնները, Ամառնային ընտանիքներու եւ տարեցներու որոնք կը գտնուին Հայաստան, Սուրբ Գրոց դպրոցները եւ ճամբարները բոլոր տարիքներու Պրազիլ, Պուլկարիա, Գանատա, Վրաստան, Լիբանան, համար։ Երիտասարդաց ծառայութիւնները իրենց տարբեր Սուրիա եւ Ուրուկուէյ։ Կարգ մը երկիրներ իրենց մասնաւոր մակարդակներով արգասաբեր դաշտեր եղած են, ուր ապագայ տագնապալից պարագաներուն, պատճառ ունին օգնութեան հովիւներ աճած ու մեծցած ու նուիրուած են եկեղեցական եւ մեծ կարիքի՝ ինչպիսին են Հայաստան, Լիբանան եւ Սուրիա։ քրիստոնէական դաստիարակութեան ասպարէզին։ Եկեղեցիի Հայաստանի համար Աւետարանչականը ունի մը հոգեւոր առողջութիւնը կախեալ է անդամներու հոգեւոր օգնութեան ծրագիր մը 1600 մանուկներու եւ ընտանիքներու, փորձառութենէն եւ հոգեւոր սնունդէն։ Այս սնունդը կը սկսի խնամակալութեան ծրագիր մը ծերերու, Երեւանի մէջ Կիրակնօրեայ դպրոցներու, Պատանեաց եւ Երիտասարդաց մնայուն կերպով կը պահէ Այնիլեան դարմանատունը, կազմակերպութիւններու մէջ, ինչպէս նաեւ ամառնային Ատամնաբուժարան մը Վանաձորի մէջ, եւ Հանքաւանի ճամբարներու՝ ուր անձը կը սնանի ու հոգեւորապէս կ՚աճի։ ճամբարը ուր շուրջ 1600 մանուկներ կը հանգստանան ու Մեծ եկեղեցական միութիւններ ունին իրենց ճամբարները։ Հայաստանի Աւետարանական եկեղեցիները ունին լայնատարած ճամբար մը՝ Շին Շողիկ, Հանքաւանի գեղատեսիլ հովիտին մէջ, որու հիմը կու գայ Սովետական շրջանէն։ Նոյնպէս Արցախ ունի իր կոկիկ ճամբարը՝ Պետրոսեան անունով՝ Շուշիի մէջ, որ հիմնադրուած է Ֆրէզնոյի Պետրոսեան ընտանիքին կողմէ, որուն նաեւ կը շարունակեն նեցուկ կանգնիլ իրենց տարեկան նուիրատուութեամբ։ Այս երկու ճամբարները ունին աշխատակիցներ, որոնք տարեկան ծրագիրներ կը պատրաստեն հազարաւոր երեխաներու ու պատանիներու համար։ Ֆրանսայի Միութիւնը ունի երկու ճամբարներ – Լա Ֆօնթանէլ եւ Լա Սուրս։ Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Միութիւնը որ կ՚ընդգրկէ Սուրիա եւ Լիբանան, իւրաքանչիւր Հայաստանի եւ երկրին մէջ ունի մէկական ճամբար, որոնք կը կոչուին Արցախի կարիքաւոր ՔՋԱԿ։ Լիբանանի ՔՋԱԿը տեղաւորուած է մայրիներու մանուկներու կաթի անտառի մը մէջ՝ Պէյրութի արեւելեան բարձունքներուն վրայ։ մատակարարութիւն։ Լիբանանի 16 տարիներու քաղաքացիական պատերազմի

40 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 նոցին եւ Անկարներու Կեդրոնին, ինչպէս նաեւ Սուրիահայ փախստականներու, որոնք Լիբանանի մէջ ապաստան գտած են։ Սուրիա գտնուող հայութիւնը անկարող է իր նիւթական ապրուստը ապահովելու պատերազմի պատճառաւ։ Անոնց կեանքը կախեալ է արտաքին օգնութենէ։ Աւետարանչականը եւ ուրիշ կազմակերպութիւններ կը լեցնեն այս կարիքը հերթական նիւթական եւ սնունդ բաժնելով։ Եկեղեցիներ, դպրոցներ, հովիւներ, հանգստեան կոչուած ուսուցիչներ, Կոյրերու Ընկերակցութիւնը եւ Ծերանոցը նպաստ կը ստանան շարունակաբար։ Պատշաճ է անդրադառնալ Հայ Աւետարանական Ընկերային Ծառայութեան Կեդրոնի մատուցած ծառա- յութեան՝ 1970-ական թուականներուն եկող Հայ գաղ- թականներուն, որոնք հաստատուեցաւ Լոս Անճելոսի Ձկանիւղի մատակարարութիւն Հայաշէնի Հայ Հալիվուտի շրջանին մէջ։ Աւետարանչականը քաջալերեց Աւետարանական Վարժարանի աշակերտներուն այս ծրագիրը ոչ միայն առաջին տարուայ ծախսերը հո- 1950-ական տարիներուն (Լիբանան)։ գալով, այլ տարեկան օգնութեամբ։ Կեդրոնի պաշտօ- նական բացումը կատարուեցաւ 1977-ին։ Կեդրոնը մատուց ընկերային ծառայութիւն զանազան մարցերու կը սնանին հոգեւորապէս եւ ֆիզիքապէս։ Մանուկներու մէջ՝ ինչպէս գաղթականներու խորհրդատուութիւն մա- խնամակալութեան ծրագիրը կը հովանաւորէ Աւե- տուցանելով, աշխատանք ապահովելով, ուսումնա- տարանչականի Որբերու եւ Կարիքաւոր Երեխաներու Խնա- կան մարզի մէջ օգնելով, եւ անգլերէնի ու Ամերիկեան մակալութեան Յանձնախումբը, որ սկսաւ իր աշխա- մշակոյթի նիւթեր դասաւանդելով։ Կեդրոնը իր աշխա- տանքներուն Հայաստանի երկրաշարժէն անմիջապէս ետք։ տանքները դադրեցուց 31 Մարտ, 2012-ին։ Մանուկներու կաթ կը բաժնուի շուրջ 500 ընտանիքներու։ Աւետարանչականի հարիւրամեակի 20 միլիոն տոլարի 9000-է աւելի մանուկներ կը ստանան Ծնունդի նուէրներ։ արշաւին կապակցութեամբ հրատարակուած գրքոյկին Աւետարանչականը նաեւ կ՚օգնէ մանուկներու խնամք տանող մէջի հետեւեալ հատուածը հակիրճ կերպով կը նկարագրէ կեդրոններու, մանկամսուրներու, մանկական հիւանդանոց- Ընկերակցութեան ջանքերը.- «Հարիւր տարիներ ԱՀԱԸ-ը դանոցներու եւ զոհուած զինուորներու եւ ազատամարտիկներու Տէրոջ ծառայեց, հաւատքը գործնականացուց մեր կարիքաւոր ընտանիքներուն։ Վերջերս օգնութեան ցանկին աւելցան եղբայրներուն եւ քոյրերուն, օգնեց եկեղեցիներուն դպրոցներ Սուրիահայ գաղթականներ, որոնց Աւետարանչականը օգնեց եւ ամառնային կեդրոններ հաստատելով, կենսարար բուժ Հայաստան փոխադրուելու ու հաստատուելու։ Հայ Բժշկական օգնութիւն տալով, կրթական առիթներ ստեղծելով եւ Առաքելութիւնը, առաջնորդութեամբ Տօքթ։ Ալպերթ կարօտեալին օգնելով։ Հաւատքի, սիրոյ եւ ծառայութեան այս Ֆիլիփսի, ինը տարիներէ ի վեր Հայաստան կը մեկնի իր հետ կտակով ապագան կը դիմագրաւենք, որպէսզի կարենանք տանելով կամաւոր բժիշկներ, բժշկական մասնագէտներ աւելիով մեր ծառայութիւնը մատուցանել Տէրոջ՝ օգնելով եւ բուժքոյրեր, եւ գաւառներու մէջ Հայ ժողովուրդին ձրի ուրիշներու»։9 բժշկական օգնութիւն կը մատուցանեն։ Այս խումբը սկսաւ իր Աւետարանչականը կը դիմագրաւէ հսկայական մարտա- ծառայութիւնը մատուցանել Լոռիի մարզի Ստեփանաւան եւ հրաւէր՝ աւետարանչութեան, կրթութեան, երիտասարդութեան Վանաձոր քաղաքներու մէջ, ապա իրենց ցանկին աւելցուցին եւ բարեգործութեան լայն ծիրերէն ներս։ Այս բոլոր մարտա- նաեւ Սիւնիքի մարզին մէջ Սիսիան քաղաքը ինչպէս նաեւ հրաւէրները հաւասարապէս դիմագրաւել մեծ իմաստութիւն, Երեւանը։ սէր եւ կորով կը պահանջեն։ Աստուծոյ յուսալով եւ մեր Արցախի մէջ նպաստ կը ստանան շուրջ 200 որբեր, ժողովուրդին աջակցութեամբ, Աւետարանչականը պիտի կարօտեալ մանուկներ եւ կաթնանպաստի կարօտ նորածիններ։ կարենայ հանդիսանալ սիրոյ կամուրջը՝ պահելով իր տեսիլքը Շուշիի ճամբարին մէջ հարիւրաւոր մանուկներ եւ պատանիներ ու առաքելութիւնը։ Կարեւորը Յիսուսի պատուէրին անսալն կը սնանին հոգեպէս եւ ֆիզիքապէս եւ հարիւրաւոր երե- է, որ կ՚ըսէ.- «Ուրեմն, գթած եղէք, ինչպէս ձեր հայրն ալ գթած խաներ Ծնունդի առթիւ կը ստանան նուէրներ։ Շուշիի մէջ է։» Ղուկաս 6.36 Աւետարանչականը նաեւ հաստատած է Շող Ցերեկային Վերջ Կեդրոնը ուր մանուկներ դպրոցական ժամերէն ետք կու գան իրենց դասերը պատրաստելու, սնուցանուելու եւ այլ այլ տեսակի ընկերային ծառայութեան օգնութիւն ստա- նալու՝ հարկ եղած պարագային։ Այս բոլորին կողքին Վեր. Դոկտ. Ժան Խանճեան նախկին նախագահն է Պէյրութի Հայկազեան Համալսարանի։ նաեւ Արցախի պատերազմին զոհուած զինուորներու եւ 8. Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցի ազատամարտիկներու ընտանիքները հերթական նպաստ կը (Պարբերաթերթ), Երեւան 1996 ստանան Աւետարանչականէն։ 9. The Centennial Campaign, AMAA, p.1 Լիբանան գտնուող կարօտեալներ նպաստ կը ստանան Հայ Աւետարանական Ընկերային Ծառայութեան Կեդրոնին * Շնորհակալութեան արժանի է Լուիզա Ճանպազեանի օգնու- թիւնը եւ ներդրումը այս գրութեան պատրաստութեան համար։ միջոցով։ Աւետարանչականը կ՚օգնէ Լիբանանի Հայ Ծերա-

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 41 Book Review

The Genesis and Early Development of the Armenian Missionary Association of America By Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian

By Rev. Peter Doghramji, Ph.D. his volume is a ti mely celebrati on of the Centennial of the cide. Providentially the pain and Armenian Missionary Associati on of America, authored suff ering they experienced became Tby a uniquely qualifi ed church historian, minister and the birth pangs of the Church to theologian. bring forth the AMAA, not because Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is a teacher of the Armenian of the Genocide but in spite of it. Evangelical community worldwide and has worked diligently to have The AMAA was the response of the a complete history of the birth and maturati on of the AMAA. As he Armenian Christi anity to the atroci- puts it in his concluding paragraphs, this is not only a “retrospecti ve” ti es of an evil empire. look at the history of the AMAA, but also an “introspecti ve” study This book is rather small in of the lessons we learn from that history. It is also a “prospecti ve” size and few in pages, but it is directi on of the AMAA within the larger context of the hopes and encyclopedic in portraying the lives and services of dedicated lay aspirati ons of the enti re Armenian community in America and people as well as pastors. Through the AMAA they were able to abroad. reach out to a bereaved community and share the Good News of This book also covers, in part, a historical review of the Ar- Christ by word and deed. menian Evangelical Church. Rev. Dr. Tooti kian rightly highlights Armenians worldwide owe a word of grati tude to Rev. Dr. the dictum, that the Church cannot be devoid of mission and, Tooti kian for introducing the calling of the AMAA to the celebrants conversely, mission without the Church cannot survive. Both are of the next bicentennial. intertwined for the proclamati on of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Copies of the book may be purchased from the AMAA offi ce: service in His name. The AMAA was born in the arms of the AEU 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or by visiti ng the AMAA which nursed it, organized it, and structured its raison d’etre. Bookstore at www.amaa.org. Price: $20.00 plus shipping and A century ago, Armenians were being decimated by the Geno- handling $5.00.

Editor's Note: At the threshold of the Centennial the AMAA commissioned Rev. Dr. Vahan Tooti kian to research and publish the history of the founding of the AMAA. In his famous diligence, Rev. Tooti kian brilliantly completed the task and the book has seen the light and is available at the AMAA bookstore. We thank Rev. Tooti kian for this gracious and ti mely accomplishment.

42 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Obituaries

A Tribute to Samuel Hekemian, Jr. (The following is a tribute to Samuel Hekemian, Jr. delivered by Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO of the AMAA, at Mr. Hekemian’s funeral at the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus, NJ on August 31, 2018. See Samuel Hekemian's obituary on page 45.)

t’s risky to indulge in the records of the AMAA. Successive AMAA administrations have diligently maintained a seamless record of Board minutes over the course of its hundred-year history. No, there is no danger from the paper records. They are legible, devoid of harmful material. The danger is in one’s inability to get out of that trap of joy, nourishment, education, knowledge and amazement of Ithe wisdom, labor and intellect that generations of elite AMAA leadership have invested and sacrifi ced for the good of the mission and the Glory of God. A century of vision, planning, hard work, sweat, giving and sacrifi ce has shored the foundation of this God blessed organization one brick at a time. Serving the AMAA for many decades, Sam Hekemian, Jr. was a brick that held the organization; solid, strong, faithful. My indulgence in the Board of Directors’ minutes of 1979-80 brought to light how Sam Hekemian, Jr., President of the Armenian Missionary Association of America during that time, exceptionally led the AMAA Board to overcome the storms of -a civil war humanitarian crisis in Lebanon -a consequential fi nancial crisis in Lebanon’s Armenian school system -the confi scation of Armenian properties in Turkey, seizure of Camp Armen and the persecution of its Director, Hrant Guzelian. Sam Hekemian led the organization and experienced the joy of guiding it safely through the valleys of anxiety and the crossroads of impasse. The Hekemian Brothers are household names at 31 W. Century Rd., Paramus, New Jersey. Every day, on either fl oor of the Association’s Headquarters, I constantly encounter their names on plaques as members of the Building Committee or the gracious donors of the AMAA Board Room ‘for the glory of God and in Memory of their parents Sam and Elizabeth Hekemian.’ It is not surprising that in his opening remarks at the fi rst Board meeting Sam presided over as President of the AMAA, the minutes refl ect that he said, ‘his father and the whole family have been involved for many years with the work of the Association and he will do his best.’ Sam loved his Lord and honored his parents. In John 15:10 Jesus says, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My Love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His Love.” As children of God we are blessed with creativity, independence and freedom of choice to carve our own paths. But we have beholden role models in both our heavenly and earthly fathers who deserve our love, respect and obedience. May we honor the legacy of this God loving man, Sam Hekemian, Jr. by upholding his faithfulness and perpetuating his memory refl ecting his love of God, his people, humanity and the AMAA. On behalf of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, its President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian and the entire Board, and my wife Sona, I extend deepest sympathies to Mrs. Sandra Hekemian, Peter and Genevieve, Jeff ery and Rachel, Richard, Mark and Brittany, the grandchildren, extended family and friends. May he rest in peace!

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 43 Rev. Dr. Habib Alajaji In 2005, he officially retired from full ing more joy into Vahe’s life especially after Rev. Dr. Habib time ministry, but continued to serve the the birth of their son, Vahe’s only grandchild B. Alajaji was born Lord, preaching in Australia and teaching Jacob, in 2016. in Aleppo, Syria on and preaching in Armenia. He continued Vahe was a hard-working, selfless and August 28, 1937. He to serve as Pastor Emeritus in Glendale, faithful individual who always tried to meet was raised in a loving leading weekly Bible studies and helping the needs of others and did everything with Christian home, the as needed. Habib enjoyed the role of a smile and good humor. oldest of five children mentor and advisor and encouraged Hrag Funeral services were held on born to Basil and Karagoezian as he passed on the torch November 7 at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Nartouhi Khosrofian of pastoral leadership of the Glendale Vahe is survived by his wife Flora, son Alajaji. church. Shant, daughter Taleen, son-in law, At the age of 11, he accepted Christ Badveli Alajaji passed away peace- Movses, and grandson Jacob. He as his personal savior, with his mother’s fully at his home on Sunday, October 14, also leaves behind his brother Albert, his influence. He moved to Beirut, Lebanon 2018. He is survived by his wife Ruth wife Sona, their children Ara and Tanya, at the age of 19 to finish high school, and Pashgian Alajaji; son Bill Alajaji; daugh- sister Artemis O’Donnell, her children attended a service where a missionary ters Nora Wilson (Rev. Stephen), Hilda Gerry O’Donnell wife Kimberly and speaker gave a call to ministry. Hovsepian (Shant), and Rhoda Alajaji; their family and Bobby O’Donnell as He began attending Evangelical and grandchildren David Wilson, James well as many other family members Theological School. In September 1970, Wilson, Hannah Wilson, and Yevah and friends. q he joined the Church of the Nazarene in Hovsepian. Zaven Bilezikjian, M.D. Beirut where he served as Pastor and Funeral services were held on Friday, Zaven Garabed later as the District Superintendent of October 19 at Church of the Recessional, Bilezikjian of Santa the Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Districts. Forest Lawn, Glendale, CA. Memorial dona- Ana, CA, affection- His knowledge of the Armenian, English, tions may be sent to the Armenian Church ately known as “Dr. q Arabic and Turkish languages made him a of the Nazarene in Glendale, CA . B,” passed away on strategic leader in the church’s Middle East September 27, 2018 efforts. In 1974, he received his Bachelor Vahe Barsoumian after an eight-year of Theology degree from the Near East Vahe Barsoumian, battle with prostate School of Theology. age 80, passed away on cancer. He was 76. In 1978, the Church of the Nazarene’s November 1, 2018 in He was born in Aleppo, Syria to World Mission department convinced Sherman Oaks, CA. Armenian parents, Youhanna and Zabel Habib to leave the area until the war Vahe was born Bilezikjian. Following his early education subsided. Dr. Gerald Johnson suggested on May 20, 1938 in at the Armenian Emmanuel Evangelical a six-month trip to the U.S. to raise funds Aleppo, Syria to Pu- Elementary School and high school and awareness for the Middle East, and zant and Rozine Bar- years at Aleppo College, Zaven attended ultimately, Habib and Ruth and their four soumian becoming the American University of Beirut (AUB), children moved permanently to the U.S. in the youngest of three children along graduating from medical school in 1966. 1979. Later that year, under the guidance with his eldest sister Artemis, and older After completing a year of internship at of the Los Angeles District and Dr. Ben- brother Albert. He grew up in a loving the University of Pennsylvania-affiliated efiel, they established the first Armenian Christian home and attended the Ar- Philadelphia General Hospital in 1967, Church of the Nazarene in the United menian Evangelical Emmanuel School Zaven enlisted in the Navy and was States in Glendale, CA. in Aleppo for his elementary education assigned to a Marine Unit in Camp Habib continued his education, re- and continued his academic instruction Pendleton. He was deployed to Vietnam ceiving a M.A. in Religion and a Ph. D. of at Aleppo College. He enjoyed singing for one year, which included a field hospital Philosophy from the California Graduate in the church choir with his siblings and outside of Da Nang and an orthopedic School of Theology. He continued to serve friends. surgical unit in Saigon. In 1969, Zaven in Glendale for 25 years, preaching regu- The Barsoumian family moved to voluntarily resigned his Navy commission larly on the Armenian television channel the United States and settled in Southern as Lieutenant Junior Grade to resume as well as traveling to teach in Armenia California, where he opened his own dry- civilian life and continue his medical and Cyprus at the European Nazarene cleaning business and worked in that field training. Bible College. for over 30 years. In 1980, Vahe met Flora Zaven returned to Southern California After the earthquake in 1988, the Lord Kalaydjian and married her on August 2, for his Orthopedic Surgery Residency opened the door for Habib to visit Armenia 1981 in Los Angeles. God soon blessed training at UCLA from 1969 to 1974. and led him to start churches in Yerevan them with two children: Shant and Taleen He subsequently started an Orthopedic and Gyumri, the beginning of the Naza- born only a little over a year apart. Shant Surgery practice in La Palma, CA. “Dr. B” rene ministry in Armenia. The Glendale became a Pastor and is serving in the Ar- ultimately had offices at both La Palma church was also instrumental in starting menian Evangelical Union of North America and Anaheim Memorial Hospitals and churches in Whittier, Pasadena, and North working with the youth. Taleen became an had a surgery career that lasted more Hollywood, CA. Being a Badveli was his elementary school teacher and served at than 25 years. He was well respected by favorite role, leading souls to Christ and Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School. his colleagues and more than once was teaching from the Word of God. Taleen married Movses Sherbetjian bring- elected Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery.

44 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 During his residency at UCLA, Zaven lished six papers. In his fi nal months at the beloved husband of Sandra and married Charlene (Sherry) Tipton and they Mass General Hospital, he encountered the loving father of Peter (Genevieve), were married from 1971 to 1985. Zaven and doctors from all over the world. When a Jeff rey (Rachel), Richard and Mark Sherry had three children: Tanya, Sandra doctor from Egypt came in, Krikor spoke (Brittany), all of whom survive him. His six and Mark. Zaven was a loving and caring with him in Arabic. A Turkish doctor was grandchildren - Jake, Jersey, Christian, Dad who enjoyed family-time with his chil- surprised when he spoke Turkish. There Juliet, Gwyneth and Jeff rey - were the dren and was always there for them. was even an Armenian doctor from Leba- crown jewels of his life. In 1999, Zaven met Jamie Yale Coluc- non. They all remembered their medical Sam was the Chairman & President ci and they were married in 2002. Zaven school training and Krikor’s papers that of The S. Hekemian Group in Englewood, became a beloved step-dad to Jamie’s they had studied. NJ (and prior to that, Hekemian & Co.), eleven-year-old daughter, Gina Colucci. Shortly after his mother passed working as a residential and commercial Zaven and Jamie had a wonderful life of away much too young, he continued his real estate developer for nearly 60 years. traveling, enjoying their blended family research in immunology in Minnesota with In these roles, he was able to make a and entertaining family and friends. Zaven 3M. Along the way, he helped his father tremendous impact throughout the state was a great tennis, chess, backgammon, Manase realize a life-long dream to visit of New Jersey. belotte, and bridge player. He was an avid his ancestral Armenia. They travelled there An avid member of the Armenian reader of a wide range of topics, played the together by way of Moscow. Manase was community, he served as President of piano beautifully and had a tremendous a man of few words but there is no doubt the Armenian Missionary Association of appreciation and knowledge of classical that Krikor helped him fi ll a void that he America and as an elder at the Armenian music. He was greatly loved and will be had carried all his life. When Manase’s Presbyterian Church. He also served on remembered fondly by all who knew him. health declined, Krikor, ever the faithful the Board of the Hackensack University Zaven was predeceased by his par- son, came home to Watertown to help his Medical Center. ents and his niece Tina Bilezikjian Alunni. sisters care for him. Sam graduated from Hasbrouck He is survived by his wife, Jamie, and He moved to California to develop Heights High School in 1947 and his children Tanya, Sandra, Mark and immunoassays for Baxter Hyland before continued his education at Rutgers Gina. He is also survived by his brother returning home once again. University, where he earned his B.S. in Vahe (Grace), sisters Berta (Richard) Krikor was a doting uncle. In his fi nal Business Administration in 1951. He had and Louise (Rick), nephew John (Marilia), months, nothing lifted his spirits more or a passion for gardening and growing nephew-in-law Tony Alunni, grandnieces put an enormous smile on his face more vegetables at home, and greatly enjoyed and a grandnephew, in-laws and cousins. than a visit, video or photo from his seven time spent on the beach in Loveladies, A private memorial service offi ciated nieces and nephews, or from his grand- Long Beach Island. by Rev. Dr. Vartkes Kassouni was held nieces and grandnephews. Memorial gifts may be made to the November 10 at the Tustin Presbyterian Krikor had no use for anything for Armenian Presbyterian Church of Para- Church in Orange Country, CA. Donations himself. Whatever he had, he would use mus, NJ. q may be made to the Zabel and Youhanna to help someone else. In his retirement Bilezikjian Endowment Fund at the AMAA years, he worked at the Armenian Library in memory of Zaven Bilezikjian. q and Museum to help preserve his beloved The AMAA Board of Directors and heritage. He never owned a house but the staff wish to extend their heartfelt Krikor M. Heghinian loved gardening and landscaping and condolences to the families of the following deceased friends. Krikor M. Heghin- knew a lot about masonry. ian of Watertown, A funeral service was held at the * Nora Antonian MA passed away on Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown Encino, CA September 29, 2018. on October 5 followed by the interment at He was 71. Ridgelawn Cemetery in Watertown not far * Nerses and Alice Festekjian Krikor was born from his mother and father. Memorial gifts Northridge, CA in Aleppo, Syria on may be made to the AMAA for the Bethel * Hayrabed Geukgeuzian February 28, 1947, School of Aleppo. q Fairlawn, NJ brother to fi ve sisters who were by his side since his health Samuel Hekemian, Jr. Berge Kayaian Fresh Meadows, NY deteriorated. His life took him from the Samuel Hekem- humblest beginnings in Aleppo, Syria to ian, Jr. of Oradell, * Glorya Tezekjian LaSpesa the highest reaches of science and to far NJ, former President Glendale, AZ corners of the world. He went fi rst to Beirut of the Armenian Mis- * Richard J. Manoogian where he earned his bachelor’s degree sionary Association Fresno, CA and then joined his entire family who had of America, passed immigrated to Watertown. away on August 21, * Aron Margosian Krikor earned his master’s degree 2018. He was 89. Visalia, CA from Northeastern University and began Born on March * Jack Parnoutsoukian 29, 1929 to Samuel and Elizabeth his career at Harvard Medical School. He Hughson, CA worked there with future Nobel laureate Hekemian in Paterson, NJ, he grew ______Baruj Benacerraf with whom he pub- up in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. He was * Memorials designated for AMAA

AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 45 - A The Armenian Missionary AM A Featured Books Association of America Սուրբ Գրային Հերոսներ History of the Armenian Armenian English Diglot Մովսէս եւ Հովնան Evangelical Churches of INVITES YOU TO BRING New Testament Heroes of the Bible: Moses North and South America Western Armenian and and Jonah History of AEUNA churches, Today's English version. Story book in Armenian for their founders, locations, 1918 2018 Item # 508 - Price $15.00 ages 5-10 (includes CD). pastors, leaders, and programs. CHRISTMAS Published by AEUNA Published by AEUNA Item # 402CO - Price: $10.00 Item # 401CO - Price: $10.00 JOY A Century of Armenian A History of Armenian TO OUR CHILDREN IN CHRISTMAS 1846-1946 JOY PACKAGES Protestantism Christianity (Second The Hymnal (Hokevor (Second Printing) Printing) Yerkaran) ARMENIA & ARTSAKH The author recounts the A fairly objective overview history of the Armenian of the Christian pilgrimage Հոգեւոր Երգարան Evangelical movement of the Armenian people Bilingual Hymns e a part of sharing God’s love and bring Christmas joy to thousands of children. Led by a from its beginning to 1946. throughout the centuries. Item # 353 - Price: $30.00 team of dedicated volunteers, ‘Christmas Joy’ boxes are assembled and distributed by the by Leon Arpee by Leon Arpee Item # 365 - Price: $20.00 Item # 366 - Price: $30.00 AMAA and the Evangelical Church of Armenia to children in Armenia and Artsakh during specialB Christmas programs. Each Christmas Joy package leaves everyone smiling and with the indelible The Recipes of Musa Dagh Exploring Our Faith: The Armenian Genocide mark of the joy of Christmas in their hearts! For some, this box may be the only Christmas present In the Words of the Evidence from the German An Armenian Cookbook in Apostles' Creed Foreign Offi ce Archives, a Dialect of its Own. they receive, as their families cannot afford to spend what little income they have on toys and gifts. By Rev. Dr. Peter 1915-1916. by Alberta, Anna and Doghramji Compiled and edited by Louisa Magzanian Item # 358 - Price: $10.00 Wolfgang Gust Item # 364CO - Price: $19.50 For as little as $15 you will help the AMAA continue bringing the spirit of Christmas directly to these children. Item # 349 - Price: $75.00

Reclaiming Konia The Thirsty Enemy A tale of love, loss and the - A Memoir Armenian Genocide – based The Youth Home of Dr. Markarian’s (founding on the true story of Melkon Istanbul: A Story of the President of Haigazian Jenanyan. Remnants' Homecoming. University) and his wife’s ad- By Heather Ruth Martin By Hrant Guzelian venturous living in Lebanon Item # 376CO - Price: $14.99 Item # 357- Price: $20.00 during the Civil War Years. Rev. Dr. John Markarian Item # 335 - Price: $15.00 For a complete listing of our Bookstore items, please contact AMAA Bookstore Tel. 201.265.2607, or visit www.amaa.org/bookstore

Received With Thanks # The AMAA acknowledges with gratitude receipt of the following publication: YES, I WOULD LIKE TO HELP PROVIDE A BLESSED TOWARD LIGHT AND LIFE - Refl ections of Catholicos Karekin Hovsepian, Edited and Translated by CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED. Roberta Ervine and Michael Daniel Findikyan - 2018. ENCLOSED IS MY DONATION OF Back Cover Photo: The Choir of the Second Armenian Evangelical Church of Aintab, 1911 (Courtesy of Perla Nazarian Kotoyan) $15 $30 $45 $75 $125 Other $ ______Below are the names of the choir members. There are just a few people who are unidenti fi ed. If you recognize them, please call the AMAA (201.265.2607) or e-mail ([email protected]). We greatly appreciate your help. Name: ______Front row seated L to R: Ephronia Nazarian Khachadourian, Yervant Nazarian, Zekie Levonian Kuljian, Levon Levonian (Toh (9th) Levon - founder of Ousoumnasirats school in Aleppo), Alice Bezjian, Rosa Haleblian, Jamil Haleblian. Middle row L to R: Mariam (last name unknown), Aznive DeMirjian, Vartouhi Loshkhadjian, Rosa Jebejian Hovnanian (mother of H. Philip Hovnanian), Marie Bezjian Address: ______Sarkissian, Beatrice Nazarian Nahabedian, Marie Krikorian, Nouritsa Levonian, (fi rst name unknown) Khachadourian. Back row L to R: Nerses Barsoumian, Rosa Berejiklian Chamitchian, Unknown, Unknown, Marie Levonian, Adour Levonian, Hripsimeh Levonian Laleyan, Tel.: ______E-mail: ______Alexan Bezjian, Victoria Sarkissian Levonian (Wife of Lu� i Khoja Levonian), Beatrice Danelian, Levon Levonian (8th Levon). Make check payable to: Armenian Missionary Association of America, memo: Christmas Joy. 46 | AMAA NEWS, Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 Mail to: 31 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or make a secure donation online at www.amaa.org - A The Armenian Missionary AM A Association of America INVITES YOU TO BRING

CHRISTMAS 1918 2018 JOY CHRISTMAS TO OUR CHILDREN IN JOY PACKAGES ARMENIA & ARTSAKH

e a part of sharing God’s love and bring Christmas joy to thousands of children. Led by a team of dedicated volunteers, ‘Christmas Joy’ boxes are assembled and distributed by the AMAA and the Evangelical Church of Armenia to children in Armenia and Artsakh during specialB Christmas programs. Each Christmas Joy package leaves everyone smiling and with the indelible mark of the joy of Christmas in their hearts! For some, this box may be the only Christmas present they receive, as their families cannot afford to spend what little income they have on toys and gifts.

For as little as $15 you will help the AMAA continue bringing the spirit of Christmas directly to these children.

#

YES, I WOULD LIKE TO HELP PROVIDE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED. ENCLOSED IS MY DONATION OF $15 $30 $45 $75 $125 Other $ ______Name: ______

Address: ______

Tel.: ______E-mail: ______

Make check payable to: Armenian Missionary Association of America, memo: Christmas Joy. Mail to: 31 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or make a secure donation onlineAMAA at NEWS, www.amaa.org Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 | 47 Armenian Missionary Association of America Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 31 West Century Road PAID Paramus, NJ 07652 Paramus, NJ Permit No. 55

The Choir of the Second Armenian Evangelical Church of Aintab, 1911 (names listed on page 46)